What’s the goal again?

Whether it’s getting in shape, getting a college degree, or getting out of college debt, we all have goals even if they’re small goals like eating all the Doritos left in the bag.

As Christians, what’s our goal? 

Avoiding hell?
Getting to heaven?
Glorifying God?
Enjoying God?
Becoming like Jesus?

For a while my main goal was not sinning. Sounds noble, but my motives weren’t. I didn’t want to sin, because I didn’t want to go to hell. I didn’t want to go to hell, because I don’t like pain. My goal to avoid sin, was a form of selfishness and distracted me from following Jesus.

Jesus said, “Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV) and “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NIV)

Paul encouraged the Ephesian Christians to, “[1] Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV)

The goal is to live for Jesus, but this only happens when we follow Jesus. The goal is to become like Jesus, but this only happens when we follow Jesus. The goal is to glorify God and enjoy God, but this only happens when we follow Jesus. The goal is to do the Lord’s will, but that only happens when we follow Jesus.

The ultimate goal, that leads to all the other godly goals, is following Jesus.