When we have goals in mind, occasionally they can be achieved by chance. If a man’s goal is to make $50,000, one play on a slot-machine can change that future goal to an accomplishment, yet those occurrences are few and far between. Instead, most goals are met by consistent behavior, and without passion, a man cannot stay the course long enough for success. Additionally, when that work ethic remains focused on others, rather than self, passion prevails.
Often, the goals we set for our own accomplishments revolve around money and possessions. Sadly, achieving those goals rarely brings satisfaction. Most of us are familiar with John D. Rockefeller’s response to the question, how much money is enough. “Just a little more than I have,” was his answer. People typically ascribe a future feeling of satisfaction to those lofty, financial goals, yet if achieved, find that more emptiness is waiting for them.
Paul had a different kind of motivation in achieving his goals. With a respected Jewish pedigree, Paul was from the tribe of Benjamin; had studied under the most-respected rabbi, Gamaliel, and thus, had much intellectual knowledge concerning the Old Testament; and worked strongly against Christians and the spread of Christianity. Yet when confronted from the heavens by the risen Savior while on the road to Damascus, Paul’s life changed on the spot (Acts 9). Forced to question the intellectual decisions of his life to that point, Paul devoted the remainder of his life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone in his path. He preached to Jews and Gentiles alike. Scholars believe the hunchbacked Paul was short, had a speech impediment and suffered from eye problems. Regardless of his physical limitations, Paul spoke with the Lord’s power. After one sermon, 3,000 people committed their lives to the Lord, while after another sermon, 5,000 people did the same! What did Paul receive from his resolve to share the love of the Lord? Hardship, torture, shipwrecks and imprisonment. When we travel, we ask about the amenities of the nicest hotels. Paul asked about the jails!
In regard to consistency, George Whitefield is worth studying, as well. An 18th-century, Anglican Protestant minister, Whitefield bridged the gap of Christian belief between those in pre-Revolution America, as Methodists, Baptists, Puritans, Quakers and followers of other religious denominations flocked to hear him preach. In 34 years of speaking God’s truth, Whitefield preached over 18,000 sermons, more than a sermon each day! Similar to Paul, Whitefield did not slow down as his health deteriorated. In 1770 at the age of 56, Whitefield’s asthmatic breathing worsened, but he continued to preach and travel with fervor. One day when a friend told him he was more fit to sleep than preach, this was his response:
“Lord Jesus, I am weary in Thy work, but not of it. If I have not finished my course, let me go and speak for Thee once more in the fields, and seal Thy truth, and come home and die.”
That day, he had difficulty speaking, but paused in prayer, then preached with God’s strength for two hours. The next morning, he left this broken world, having remained steadfast throughout.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Steadfast is a nautical term meaning to stay the course, regardless of wind or waves, trying to push and pull you in other directions. Unlike those external forces, the Holy Spirit doesn’t push or pull us. Instead, He guides and leads us on God’s path. If you feel like your walk with the Lord and work for the Lord are wavering, then your sails are billowed by self instead of Spirit. Remember the greatest commandments of Jesus, to love God with all of our hearts and to love others. When that love replaces our focus on personal goals and selfish ambitions, our lives take on a whole new meaning. When we are tired, He is our rest (Matthew 11:28). He is the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Stay the course, with the Holy Spirit guiding all the way!
5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation.
2 Corinthians 1:5-7
21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:21-23
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