...towards a goal

NORSK
When I last Friday concluded the study of the letters to Timothy, the final reflection was about 'ending on the right note' - which is the same as ending up where you intended to go. Paul was very target focused in his mentoring of Timothy and ensured that his disciple developed good habits to achieve the goals of the mission (1).

To be target focused is an important trait whatever we want to achieve. Some years back, I spent forty days reflecting on Rick Warren's book "Purpose driven life" (2) on this blog. The book confirms how important it is to live for a purpose and set goals. I have also repeatedly expressed my excitement of Eugene Peterson's definition of discipleship as 'Long Obedience in the same direction' (3). I become more and more convinced that it is an ingenious definition, and it confirms the value of having clear goals.

Jesus knew the purpose of his life, and he knew that the most important goal of his mission would take place in Jerusalem:

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.”
Luke 18:31

Luke also described the reaction of the disciples in this way: “The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.” v 34 (3). Nevertheless, they followed the master because he knew where he was going. This truth highlights the importance of knowing his will and goals.

‘Manna’ for today:

It is God’s will and goals that are important

PS My intent is to continue on the road to Jerusalem in preparation for Easter
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(1) See e.g. “It is about lifestyle” and “Journey of Renewal”
(2) The series starts with the entry "The next 40 days" – only available in English through google translate.


(3) See the reflection 'Long obedience in the same direction' – only available in English through google translate.
(4) It is this kind of verses which makes the Bible trustworthy for me - see “How blessed humanly ...”

The goal of the mission defined

NORSK
It is interesting that Paul so clearly defines the goal of the mission that was entrusted to Timothy:

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Tim 1:5

Again love is at the centre, and now love is defined as the goal of the mission. When I was reflecting on this definition yesterday, my first reaction was that it makes the mission too narrow, but it did not take long before I was convinced that this is 100% true - and I like it.

Why is love the goal of the Christian mission?

Because God is love. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. The mission I have received is all about spreading the gospel of Him who is love, and how it is revealed through him who became part of what he had created, and in fact, still is.

It is also interesting that how the love is lived out by the person who has been entrusted the mission, is part of the goal of the mission. Love has to come from:

• a pure heart

Heart is synonymous with the human spirit. That is where the Holy Spirit dwells when a person receives salvation in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is pure, and when he fills the "dwelling", the dwelling becomes clean as well. This means: To reach the goal, God himself has to be the source of the mission.

• a good conscience

The title “Journey of Renewal” on this series of reflections, is borrowed from the Salvation Army's Accountability movement. On this journey "transparency" is an important goal. A good conscience has nothing to hide. There is no ulterior motive in God's love. Nor should there be any such motives for a person who has God’s love as the goal of his mission.

• a sincere faith

I cannot pretend to believe. In my everyday life, sincere faith is interpreted to mean obedience to what God asks me to do, not because I am forced to, but out of love. Thus the circle is complete: God's kingdom is about faith, and the goal is love.

‘Manna' for today:

The goal of the mission is love

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