In an effort to maintain their lifestyles, some people repeatedly push themselves to the point of exhaustion. But a life that does not have God as the goal is a life that is not well spent.
Take, for example, the college student who works relentlessly in pursuit of a career with a handsome salary, respect, and prestige. After graduation and a lifetime of continued dedication, the individual rises to the top of the career ladder, reaping the efforts of all the hard work and sacrifice, both monetarily and socially. However, as the individual nears the end of his or her life here on earth, all the money and material possessions start becoming meaningless. He or she realizes, as the old saying goes, you can’t take it with you. Suddenly the person might feel quite empty and alone.
What is success for you? Financial security certainly feels cozy, but having free reign with money can also result in a worry-free environment where evil can thrive. When we strive toward goals that are materialistic or worldly, we can be setting ourselves up for failure.
You can find examples of this in the celebrities people so often decide to idolize. Many of them are unhappy: unhappy to the point of drug abuse and suicide. Popular reality shows portray the carefree lifestyles of the rich and beautiful, yet many celebrities seem to sabotage their own happiness by pushing the boundaries to the maximum. Why is this the case?
The answer to our woes
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6. There it is. The answer to all our woes is Jesus Christ. It is so simple yet so mysterious. He is so close, yet we push Him far away. Why do we behave this way toward the One who loved us so much that He died on the cross for us?
It is sometimes difficult to deny ourselves. The flesh is weak. However, God gave us the gift of discernment. We know innately how to use it, but we do not always employ it when needed. We can easily become lazy to suffering, and in our rush to end all pain and strife we sacrifice our dignity and our righteousness. We take the easy way out of hard situations (divorce, abortion, drugs, and suicide).
Living a holy life does not mean you will be poor, bored, or unpopular. Living a holy life gives you the freedom to suffer with Christ in all of your pain and longings. Nothing in this life is promised to us. When Adam and Eve failed God in the Garden, our fates were sealed. We are blessed, however, to know that our sins are forgiven if we turn to Him with contrite hearts.
God forgives even the gravest of sins. There is no one He will turn away. When we are feeling tempted, we should turn to Him and beg for His mercy. Only He can fill us with the courage to resist.
The kingdom of God
As Jesus warns: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God (Mt 19:23-24).”
So if you have been blessed with money, donate to the poor.
If you are blessed with fame, use it to spread the Gospel.
If you are blessed with good health, use your energy to help others.
And if you have neither fame nor fortune, or you have to rely on the care and help of others, you may be blessed beyond measure – providing you love God beyond all else and live your life according to Jesus’ teaching. Remember Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:3): “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” As the USCCB explains, “. . . in the Old Testament, the poor (’anāwîm) are those who are without material possessions and whose confidence is in God (see Is 61:1; Zep 2:3; in the NAB [New American Bible] the word is translated lowly and humble, respectively, in those texts). Matthew added in spirit in order either to indicate that only the devout poor were meant, or to extend the beatitude to all, of whatever social rank, who recognized their complete dependence on God.”
Entrust your cares to God
My friends in Christ, we will never find peace in money, material goods, or fame. Peace is found only in God and in knowing Him. Once you discover that all your cares can be entrusted to God, you will feel a freedom you have never experienced before. Allow God to permeate all aspects of your life. Pray always. Read the Bible. Study the scriptures. Share what you have found with your friends and family, and bring them home to God with you.
2 thoughts on “Making God Your Goal”
Great article. We sometimes forget that we can be faithful and successful. In fact, faithfulness IS success. I think about being a successful writer, but I am more concerned with being a successful husband and father. Good reminder for us all!
Thank you for this inspiring article. Personally, I often find myself trying to reach intermediate goals to pave the way for my ultimate goal- union with Christ. But Christ doesn’t want us to wait for that. If you can’t afford the plane ticket to go on an amazing retreat, go on your own mini-retreat in the meantime. Love doesn’t wait.