Success in life depends on setting goals for ourselves.

The greatest goal for all Christians is to have eternal life in the kingdom of God as a member of God’s family. God exhorts us to be mindful of this goal: "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:2-3). Of course, we do live in this physical world with its challenges, but the main goal in our lives is spiritual in nature.

In His sermon on the mount Jesus emphasizes having right priorities: "Therefore do not worry, saying, What shall we eat? or What shall we drink? or What shall we wear? For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:31-33).

In other words, our physical life is of secondary importance when compared to the great goal of the kingdom of God. God does desire for us to have rewarding life in this physical world, but our physical life is only temporary. This life is a training ground for the future, for the eternal life that lies ahead.

Satan delights in diverting our attention from our goal, causing us to be disoriented and discouraged. So let's always remember the great goal of life: God has called us and is preparing us for His great goal for us – He wants us to live eternally with Him as His children!

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!