“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”                           Acts 4:12

The Goal

I’ve spent quite a bit of time recently with someone I love deeply, but who is very legalist in physical behaviors (diet and exercise.)  She is also very kind, and not angry. But I felt judged not living up to her standard. Her disciplines are “good” and she makes a good living promoting this lifestyle, yet something’s missing. Achieving these goals is rewarding and self-gratifying. Yet living without the Lord makes this empty and cold. It may work for a little while, but what happens when you fail? There’s probably wiggle room given, but missing the goal (or mark) to us as Christians is sin and failure. I do admire the determination because when they do fail, they rise up and try again—yet is their goal attainable and does it truly satisfy?

I’m so relieved that I live by a different standard and different God. I know I learn a lot from this woman about diet and exercise, but my goal is Christ and I rise up in Him. He is my goal and my standard. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

I’m also put to shame by her discipline in earthly goals, but I can in turn be purposeful for my Lord and His Kingdom, disciplining my life accordingly.

“Everyone who competes for a prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: Not with uncertainty. Thus I fight not as on who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).

When I think upon my Savior and what He has done for me on the cross, shedding His precious, royal blood for my filthy sin, I’m so thankful and in awe of His grace and love. This love is the reason and purpose for my life. This is where my hope and value come from and this pours into a lifestyle of disciplines for Christ. First and foremost: beginning the day in prayer and His Word, keeping this most important appointment. Then with this foundation for each day, the Holy Spirit guides and directs my words and actions in godly ways. When I fail, He promptly reminds me to give over my selfish ideas or impatience, and live in His light.

I love and pray for my friend a lot and pray that one day she’ll know what the real reward and prize is: Christ in me, the hope of glory!

“Jesus, thank You for Your overwhelming grace and goodness. Your prize is far better than earthly rewards. We are running Your race and pressing on to win. You already have the victory! We surrender to You. In Jesus’ Name, where there is salvation in no other, Amen.”