The Ultimate Goal

As 2015 comes to a close, I've been examining my efforts to further His Kingdom this past year. Have I done everything that I could to please my Savior? Have I shared the Gospel and been an honorable example for those around me?

Sometimes, it seems difficult or uncomfortable to spread the Good News of Christ, and so we tend to let the opportunities slide, make excuses, and live life for ourselves. As Children of God and Followers of Christ, we are called to further His Kingdom by sharing what He has done for us.

I want to share several points about why we should be so focused on living for God, being an example for others, and spreading the Good News of Christ.

1. We are commanded to share the Gospel:

• Mark 16:15- He [Jesus] said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation."

• Acts 1:8- Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

2. We have been forgiven of our sins, and we need to let others know that this is not our own doing:

• Ephesians 2:8- For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.

• Revelation 21:4- He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

3. Because we have been forgiven and loved so unconditionally, we should want to live our lives as an example for Christ (and not to please others).

• Galatians 1:10- For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

• Acts 20:24- However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

So as we finish up 2015 and set new goals for this new year, let's focus on setting goals that will add to His Kingdom, because as Christians, this is our ultimate goal.