train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. – 1 Timothy 4:7b-8

How often have you considered shedding a few pounds? Whether for health or personal reasons, when you set your mind to lose weight, you craved foods you didn’t think of for a long while! How about an early morning devotion with God? The plan was not fully formulated within your mind when opposing thoughts started to bombard you: or you decided to press the snooze button one too many times. Lastly, have you ever decided to save for a purchase, and you determined not to use a line of credit? Lo and behold! Unexpected expenses came in rapid sequences, which gradually depleted your amount saved. If you can relate to either of the mentioned scenarios, you probably convinced yourself you would either save later, worship God at another time during the day, or work on losing weight next month.

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Goals in this life are of some value. They reflect established disciplines, reveal visible examples of diligence and hard work, and help to create a framework of priorities to commit to daily. But the goals of this life are pointless if they do not add value to your life you will have in eternity.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Consider this: if God has interest enough in you to know the number of hairs on your head (Matthew 10:26), why would He not plant within you a purpose in this life that will impact eternity (Psalm 139)?

Our Prayer: Heavenly Father, reveal to us the purpose You created us for and help us develop the daily disciplines in fulfilling it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.