When 2010 began I had set as a goal the desire to read at least fifty books before the year was over. I had heard others speak of a similar challenge that they had made in their lives and found some personal interest in doing the same. I must admit, though, that while I found interest in the challenge, I do not believe that I realistically foresaw myself being able to actually accomplish it. While I have tried to read extensively for a few years now, though I have never kept record, I feel confident in saying that I had never read that much. Well now I am two weeks removed from the end of the year and am only two books away from accomplishing my goal. Thus barring any extreme circumstances my goal for the year will be met and I will not have to look back with regret at a task unaccomplished.
Sadly, though, I am afraid that while much of this is true in application to some spiritually, some also is not. That seems to be a rather vague and ambiguous statement, so let me explain. It seems that many in life approach their desire for eternal salvation much as I approached my reading goal. It is more or less a fleeting interest without any hard plans as to whether it will or will not be accomplished and how it can be. They look at it more as a far-fetched goal that seems realistically beyond reach but of great interest nonetheless. Many do not really consider the brevity of life and the urgency of the gospel plea and therefore waste their lives in ungodliness and iniquity with salvation as nothing more than an afterthought. Felix, the Roman governor, seems to fit this mold in that while he seemingly desired to be redeemed, it was of little interest to him in the short-term: “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25). He seemingly had a goal, but it was never of enough interest to him to actually see it through in its entirety.
What else is meant by the otherwise confusing statement above is that there is a similarity in how I approached my goal and how some people approach redemption, but there is likewise a contrast related to the end result. On January 1, 2011, I’ll be able to look back at a goal fulfilled, but in eternity many will have to look back on their lives in everlasting regret for a task unaccomplished. Many are simply unwilling to put the effort that is required into obedience and faithful living and therefore are going to find themselves far short of their “goal” in the end. Many in their confusion will cry out in anguish, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22). However, the reply of the Master and Judge shall be, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (vs. 23). We must throw the caution ever present through the influence of the world to the wind and strive onward toward the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus the Lord (Philippians 3:14), so that in this life we are bearing down on a goal that shall surely be achieved in heaven at last.