The Highest Goal

Ready:

“Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.” -- 1 Corinthians 14:1 NLT

Set:

I think nearly every kid in sport dreams about making the Olympics someday. To earn a spot to compete at the highest level, representing an entire nation, pursuing the glory and honor that comes with winning a gold medal—it’s an awe-inspiring feeling. And for many, it becomes an all-consuming goal.

But God doesn’t tell us to set the Olympics as our highest goal. Actually, as Christians, we’re already in a sort of divine Olympics: we’ve been given gifts of the highest level by God Himself, we’re representing His entire Kingdom, and we’re pursuing His glory. To drive that whole pursuit, God tells us that love is our highest goal. Not money. Not a medal. Not fame. But love.

As we train and compete every day and simply go about our lives, we face hundreds of decisions, and what we choose will paint a very clear picture of what we’re striving towards. It becomes evident in how we act in our sport, how we relate to others, and what we do with our time. And every day, above all else, we should be choosing love.

Go:

1. What was or is your biggest goal in sports growing up or right now?
2. What kind of decisions do you make every day? What do these decisions tell others about what you value?
3. How can you choose to make love your highest goal this week?

Workout:

Matthew 20:25-28; Ephesians 5:2

Overtime:

“Lord, thank You for giving me a spot on Your team and the ability to represent You well. Show me what it looks like to set love as my highest goal and help me to move closer to it every day. I want to pursue a love like Yours above all else, Amen."

Alicia Cardie