The Servant’s Primary Goal

We make it our aim . . . to be well pleasing to Him —2 Corinthians 5:9

We make it our aim. . . .” It requires a conscious decision and effort to keep our primary goal constantly in front of us. It means holding ourselves to the highest priority year in and year out; not making our first priority to win souls, or to establish churches, or to have revivals, but seeking only “to be well pleasing to Him.” It is not a lack of spiritual experience that leads to failure, but a lack of working to keep our eyes focused and on the right goal. At least once a week examine yourself before God to see if your life is measuring up to the standard He has for you. Paul was like a musician who gives no thought to audience approval, if he can only catch a look of approval from his Conductor.

Any goal we have that diverts us even to the slightest degree from the central goal of being “approved to God” (2 Timothy 2:15) may result in our rejection from further service for Him. When you discern where the goal leads, you will understand why it is so necessary to keep “looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). Paul spoke of the importance of controlling his own body so that it would not take him in the wrong direction. He said, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest . . . I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

I must learn to relate everything to the primary goal, maintaining it without interruption. My worth to God publicly is measured by what I really am in my private life. Is my primary goal in life to please Him and to be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how lofty it may sound?

my utmost for his highest

Move Forward with God's Promises

What does God promise us if we say, "I want you to use me." He promises you three things that can all found in Joshua 1.

God promises strength -- "No one will be able to stand against you." (Joshua 1:5) In other words, what God asks you to do, he'll give you the power to do.

God promises success -- "You will be successful." (Joshua 1:6) God wants you to succeed in serving Him. He doesn't want you to be a failure.

God promises support -- "I will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV) God's word, done God's way, will not lack God's support.

God has many, many promises for you in the Bible but you've got to discover them. Joshua 1:8 says, "Always remember what is written in this book. Study it day and night to be sure to obey everything that's written there. If you do this, you will be wise and successful in everything." (TLB)

Would you like to be wise in life? Would you like to be successful in life? God's promise of success is not based on your ability. It's based on your commitment to His Word.

Ephesians 3:20
Joshua 1:5-6
Joshua 1:8-9

Rick Warren's Daily Devotional for Android