What goals do you aim at day-to-day? As a homeschooling mom, I can get tunnel vision and only see the tasks, the lessons, the check boxes, the housework, and the daily grind. It’s good to occasionally step back and see the reasons behind all that I do.
At the start of this new year, it’s a good time to do just that. Let’s step back and remember our goals that shape how we live!
From Ecclesiastes
Last year I read through Tim Keller’s book, God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life. A concept gripped me around March and wouldn’t let go. It’s from Ecclesiastes.
The book of Ecclesiastes paints a picture of life “under the sun.” This picture shows us that if we live as if there is no God and no eternity, we will conclude life is meaningless. The specific point Keller wrote about one day was “the vanity of achievement.” From Ecc. 2:20-23, we see our work and our toil are wiped away by history and it doesn’t really achieve and it doesn’t really satisfy.
The contrast to our meaningless work is Christ, whose labor achieved glory and led to real rest. This is the Savior we need. He will satisfy us.
The question was asked at the end of the reading, “Have you ever achieved a goal, only to find it unfulfilling? What goals would outlast the sun? Make a list.”
Make a list. That stuck with me. I love to make lists, but this list seemed unfamiliar, and nothing quickly came to mind.
If I am living everyday desiring to glorify God, how could this list be empty? I’ll admit, achieving goals did often seem unfulfilling. I pondered and prayed… for days… and months.
Throughout Scripture
I’m so glad that God is faithful to work on my heart and grow me. His Word always has the answers I need.
From Scripture, we can be sure of three things that outlast the sun.
1. The LORD Outlasts the Sun.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8 (ESV)
Indeed, the LORD created the world and is sovereign over His creation. He will again restore this fallen creation, and God the Son will be our light. We will have no more need of the sun.
2. His Word Outlasts the Sun.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
Matthew 24:35 (ESV)
God is eternal, and his word is firm forever. He has not once wavered in character or faithfulness. His promises have come to pass, and our future hope is secure. His victory over sin, death, and Satan is final and full – sufficient and satisfying – mighty and merciful. He will indeed outlast the sun, and we know Him by His Word. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105) “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14) “He has spoken to us by His Son.” (Hebrews 1:2) His Word will outlast the sun.
3. His Eternal Life Outlasts the Sun.
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
John 17:3 (ESV)
While the sun gives light, there is a greater Light that gives life. I’ve recently wrote about that a little here and here during Advent. Our greatest need is satisfied in Christ alone as He is the only way to know God.
Concerning My List
Keeping these three eternal gifts from God in mind, I am better equipped to make that list of goals that outlast the sun.
I love the mission of our homeschool community, “to know God and to make Him known.” Isn’t that what our achievements should really all be about?
In all I’m doing, how can I know God through His Word? How can I live so others might know this gracious God?
I want to see this eternal perspective alongside my daily to-do list. I’ve started keeping three goals for the week in my planner. I have a section on the right-hand side of each week’s page labeled “Goals” where I keep forefront these “goals that outlast the sun.” While I’m planning meals and setting playdates, checking off my to-do list and scheduling appointments, I’m reminded that these mundane things can all be done in view of eternity.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
The Westminster Catechism sums it up well. What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
Curious about my three “goals that outlast the sun” for this first week of 2020?
- Feast on God’s Word First (because nothing else satisfies!)
- Serve my Family with Compassion (because several are sick)
- Reorder our semester to help with a weekly Good News Club (because we have the freedom and opportunity to teach the Bible in public schools, and that’s worth reordering our days)
What are your goals?
Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past
Poem by C.T. Studd
“Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgement seat;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill.
living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
__ extra stanza __
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”
Read about the life of C.T. Studd and his mission work in China, India, and Africa.
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