During my teenage and young adult years, I was an avid sports fan. I would have my VCR (Video Cassette Recorder for the younger ones who have no idea what that is) set to record games and also buy the newspapers when my team won, to preserve the history of the occasion. I followed and loved practically every sport, even though I didn’t play much.
One common theme across many sports is the objective of scoring the most runs, goals, or points. These points, runs, or goals are scored by getting a ball through a hoop or net, across a goal line, or by running between wickets, or around the bases, to name a few.
Regardless of the objective, to succeed, athletes must stay focused on the goal. The goal is the primary driver of every decision and action, and it determines whether the athlete will be judged favorably.
A basketball player, for example, may have incredible dribbling skills that dazzle the crowd and confuse the opponent. But when the ball is shot, if it doesn’t go through the hoop, all of the dazzling dribbling is meaningless.
When it comes to the work of God, the church has been given a mission, which is a mandate. It is called the Great Commission. One example appears in Matthew 28:19-20, which says,
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
This requires spreading the gospel to everyone and making disciples.
It is easy to get distracted by life and the other demands of ministry. However, it is critical to stay focused on the goal so that our efforts will count for time and eternity.
So, I encourage every servant of God with a burden to build His kingdom, let the main objective be your compass. It will provide clarity, wisdom, and discernment amid the myriad choices you face in ministry. Remember, don’t lose sight of the goal!