What is the goal of the Christian life? Is it to get to heaven? Is it to prosper or be in good health? Do good to your fellow man? Scripture speaks of all these as things in glowing terms as things the Christian should aspire to. But even as I am going about living out and accomplishing these things, what should be my ultimate objective? Yes, there is a greater objective than these lofty and noble ones. Many in the Christian community have opted for a ‘gospel’ of prosperity, joining a long list of ‘preachers’ telling folks that they are supposed to be rich. Several of these men have gone off the deep end, telling their unfortunate and gullible hearers that they can actually anoint money. Others have gone the way of humanism, stressing that good works are the sum and total of the Christian life. Some have swallowed the lie of psychology, promising release from bondage by working through the mind, while ignoring and even denying the sin nature. Still others are yet trying to ‘take over’ the world for Christ, by trying to put ‘Christian’ influence in every strata of society.
When I speak of the Christian’s ultimate goal, I’m not speaking about ministry; that is, what we do for Him or what He has called us to do. I’m not even really speaking of your purpose, which in many cases, go hand in hand with ministry. I’m speaking of something greater than ministry, and greater than your call. This is because it is through this ultimate goal that we are able to minister, able to fulfill our call.
I submit to you that the ultimate Christian goal is to simply be like Jesus. Read these words found in 1 John 4:17 : “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.” This one ultimate goal has several facets, taken from at least four verses, that I believe, bring it all together. Allow me to elaborate. Before we do this, two important things must be remembered. First, please note that the verse says, ‘as He is’, not was–that’s important. And secondly, that same phrase ‘as He is’, speaks of likeness, not equality. In no way, shape or form should this be construed to mean that we are to see ourselves as a ‘little Jesus‘.
Phi.3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Knowing Him here is more than mere awareness or mental assent; it is relationship. It is gaining and taking in knowledge of Him through personal experience. This can only come about through one on one fellowship.
Ro.8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
We’re told here that one of the primary reasons why He has raised us up is so that we should be conformed or share the same inner essence resulting in similar behavior–which is being like Him.
Tit.2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Yes, grace is a teacher. His grace that saved us teaches us several things: – to deny and reject ungodliness – to deny and refuse worldly lusts – to live with a sound mind – to live righteously – to live godly We are told to do it here and now (in this present world)
Psa.27:4 One thing have I desired of the Lord , that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord , and to enquire in his temple.
Here the Psalmist states that there is but one thing he desires. It seems he had passion for the house of God. He wanted to be there. While there he said he would ‘behold the beauty of the Lord.’ Once again, the key word here is relationship. This desire will eventually result in deeper fellowship.
Do you desire to know Him deeper? Do you want to be more and more like Him? Do you have a passion for the house of God and a holy life? If so, then you are becoming the ultimate Christian.
That's the Word! Take it with you. God bless you.