goal of Christian life
“I tell you the truth, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” – John 12:24
The goal of the Christian life is death, not success. A popular teaching says that if we follow God we will be materially prosperous. Indeed, God may bless His people materially, but few in third world countries can make this claim. Money should never be the goal of a person’s life, only a by-product.
A missionary in a Middle-Eastern country has shared a motto among his ministry team: “God does not require success, but radical, immediate obedience.” Jesus’ obedience earned him the cross. This did not bring him popularity among the Gentiles, religious or financial success, or a life of happiness. His obedience resulted in His death on the cross. This is Christ’s goal for each of us – the death of our old nature so that He can live through us. This results-based Christian workplace may not sell well among believers, but it will result in an eternal reward that far outweighs any earthly reward. “Behold, I come quickly! My reward is with me, and I will give to each man according to his works” (Revelation 22:12).
The Christian life is a paradox – the first will be last, death in exchange for life, and we are encouraged to praise God for overcoming the feeling of heaviness. It requires a belief in God that is driven by a different set of values that are sometimes difficult to measure by human standards. Let death work within you a life that only God can develop.
