A man approached a laborer laying bricks and said, "What are you doing?"
"Can’t you see I’m laying bricks?!" the laborer said.
The man then walked over to another bricklayer and said, "What are you doing?"
The workman said with pride, "I’m building a cathedral."
Both were doing the same thing. But the first guy was occupied with the present task, while the other was focused on the ultimate goal.
Who do you think had more satisfaction in what he was doing? My vote would be on the one keeping his vision on the cathedral being built.
Steven R. Covey, in his book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," wrote that we need to "begin with the end in mind." In other words, envision your goal — what you want at the end of your project, or career, or life — and work toward it.
What do you want to accomplish? What goals have you set?
Bear in mind, just because you might be retired does not mean you have to lack goals. Life goals are not just for young people.
However, we need to ensure our goals are consistent with God’s word and teaching.
Our culture says, "Seek your place in the world!" Jesus says, "Seek the kingdom of God."
Our culture says, "Find yourself!" God says "Lose yourself, and find life."
Our culture says, "Be your own self-made person!" God says, become "members together of one body."
Our culture says, "Look to your own needs and interests!" God says, have "the attitude of Christ Jesus, who took on the nature of a servant."
Keep Jesus Christ's goals in mind. He said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness."
Answer Jesus Christ's call, not the culture's, and you will find your true purpose in life.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Focus on Christ to achieve your life goals