Luke 13:24
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

What is your goal?

For many Christians, the long-range purpose is to get into heaven. What they do between the time they are saved and when they enter heaven varies. Some of them find purpose and some don’t. Spending time, in the presence of the Almighty, will give you His purpose for you and place you on the assignment He designed for you. During those precious moments, in His presence, you will find how you live your life every day is as important as fulfilling His call.

Psalm 16:11 Because of you, I know the path of life, as I taste the fullness of joy in your presence. At your right side I experience divine pleasures forevermore! (The Passion Translation TPT)

You will also find; you shouldn’t just think about you; what you need to do; and what is best for you. You should also be mindful of others.

Philippians 2:3-4 Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. 4 Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests. (The Passion Translation TPT)

Sometimes it is tough to think about anyone else because you are or you have become consumed with living your life and doing what you believe would please God. You should want to do what pleases God. The only way you can do that is to broaden your understanding of what “pleasing God” means. Read Romans 12:9-21.

Colossians 1:10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]. (Amplified Bible  AMP)

It is God’s will for all to come to know Him (2 Peter 3:9). In your efforts to please God, shouldn’t your goal be to touch lives with the love of God? Shouldn’t you want the power of redemption, deliverance and all that Jesus offers to be the foundation of what you communicate with your life? Those who have been assigned to you should see your life and desire salvation and a closer walk with God.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it]. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I can remember hearing the statement, “It’s not the means, it’s the end” frequently. I repent for accepting that statement as a way to live. You have taught me, the means to the end is important as well. I want to live my life as an example of You. Then anyone who interacts with me wants to be saved and wants to develop a closer walk with You. I don’t want to be focused on heaven to the extent that I miss the assignments that will make me productive on earth. I know my desire to show Your love is Your desire. Thank You for broadening my understanding. You continually tell me and show me it is not about me; it never was and never will be. How can I say I love You, Whom I have not seen and not take the time to show love to my brother and sister who I see every day? With every person I meet; I must show Your love. Thank You for making my goal clear…

Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.