It’s a well-known and wise adage: “Begin with the end in mind.”
Runners envision past the finish line before they start the race. Pole vaulters envision the inches above the horizontal pole before they jump. Architects imagine the whole building completed before they draw up the detailed blueprints. Before each day of travel we review the map (yes we still use those) and make note of both our destination and the roads that get us there. Probably you do the same with your road map of daily to-do lists. Starting the day with the end in mind is a good way to prepare for this gift called today. Beginning with the end in mind is another way of saying, “Keep your eyes on the goal.”
Paul refers to this theme a number of times in his writing. In the book of Hebrews he writes, “Fix your THOUGHTS on Jesus.” Of all the things you can and maybe must think about today, Jesus is our only constant, faithful, and most worthy focal point. Our commission in this lifetime is to build up the body of Christ. We are called to be encouragers not cynics, peacemakers not argument makers. He warns us that when we turn our attention to other appetites, vainful thoughts, and meaningless human philosophies, we get carried off track. We become enthralled with so many hobbies and ambitions that fill our schedules and minds while taking us away from our purposed goal. And sometimes the detours are both painful and lengthy. Our hearts become hardened and dulled to the Word of God in our lives.
Keeping our eyes on the goal means keeping the confidence we had when we started a project. I remember some folks who were so excited to embark on a mission trip with us but lost their confidence and joy when the work got tough and messy. I’ve been there too and maybe you have also. But keeping our thoughts fixed on the goal gets us through those tough times. Why? Because if the goal is worthy, the process is worth it! What goal could you pursue that is more worthy than Jesus? Family, business, satisfaction, fulfillment? Our best satisfaction in these is found through Jesus. And our very best satisfaction is found in Jesus Himself!
Wherever you are in your journey, today is the day for fixing your thoughts on the goal of your life. Begin with the goal of paying attention to what God is doing in and around you. Let this be a consuming focus. Where do you want to end up when all is said and done? What words and actions will take you toward your ultimate goal and which ones only distract you from that prize? We put our confidence in so very many things, but none of them last. With what confidence do you want to approach the Lord when your last day comes? Hold onto that confidence to the end. Don’t lose focus. It really matters how you fix your thoughts today because your actions follow them. Make your thoughts and actions count today and let them lead you to the goal you most desire.