The Goal

A good friend of mine just returned from a leisure trip to Tanzania, Africa. She and her husband went on a safari – an experience that they loved. But nine days of their trip were spent hiking up Mt. Kilimanjaro. My friend said it was the most grueling event of her life thus far. Although the physical aspect of this hiking/camping excursion was demanding, she claims she never imagined how much of a mental challenge it would be. They summitted Kilimanjaro and fulfilled their goal of climbing the tallest freestanding mountain in the world at 19,350 feet. So why deal with the trials of getting muddy, wet, and cold for nine straight days with no relief – no hot shower, no dry clothes once all of your clothes became damp, no comfortable mattress, etc. – you get the picture. Why go through such an experience? These die-hard hikers were determined to get to the top. They had a goal in mind and they were focused on accomplishing it no matter what adversities they faced.

Similarly, Paul had his mind made up of accomplishing his life’s task no matter what he faced – that Christ be exalted in his life and in his eventual death. In the midst of his present afflictions – his imprisonment and its unknown outcome as well as the discord and contention with the brethren attempting to discredit him, Paul saw beyond these challenges knowing that things would turn out for the glory of God. He saw the bigger picture, one which gave him hope. He did not fear a skewed reputation. He did not fear death. He did not fear the emperor’s ruling upon his life. Paul was confident in Christ alone, and all he longed to do was to glorify Christ.

Paul amazes me. Better yet, it is Christ who worked in Paul who is so profound. God’s transformation of Paul was so marvelous that he pledged his life to the very end to his Savior. I don’t have a radical conversion story like Paul’s, but my conversion is certainly radical – everyone’s is for that matter. Yet the intensity of the apostle’s devotion to Christ is remarkable, nearly unbelievable and certainly extraordinary – one that I feel I have yet to emulate. What a tremendous example.

Beyond conversion, my current circumstances are drastically different than Paul’s at the time he penned this letter. I’m not facing the prospects of my execution. I’m not in prison apart from those I love dearly. I deal with opposition at times, but I don’t think anyone is out to shame my reputation currently. However, I have very real struggles as an American, Caucasian, wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, co-worker, instructor, citizen, etc. who believes and tries to love and obey Christ. Countless times I get so bogged down in my roles and responsibilities that I lose determination and sight of the big picture that I am to hold in view as a believer. Although I am quite a different person living in times unlike those in Paul’s days, my life’s task should be the same as Paul’s – that Christ be exalted in all things no matter what sufferings or joys I may face in the process. And that mission is no more or less challenging today than it was back then.

Spend time today praying that Christ be exalted in all areas of your life – whether you are at home, work, out and about running errands, at church, meeting with a friend, dealing with conflict in a relationship, being falsely accused for something, etc. Meditate on some of these verses as you pray and confirm your calling to glorify Christ in all things - Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Romans 14:7-8.

May God’s grace and peace be upon you.