"More than a Journey"

By Calvin and Lisa Wulf

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14 (NIV)

He plops down on the couch and starts surfing through the channels. The talk show host declares, "Well, everybody knows that life is a journey, not a destination."

"Yeah, that guy's right," he says, turning to his wife. "The most important thing is to enjoy yourself – not to reach some special goal."

"Hmmm, I’m not so sure," she ponders silently.

This message is saturating our media. Life is an adventure. Why get hung up about where you’re going? Don’t worry if you never reach a destination. Just enjoy yourself along the way. Live for today.

But consider these questions. If we’re living for the journey, how do we know where we’re going? Will any destination do as long as we’re having a good time? Do all paths lead heavenward?

It actually does matter where we’re going because we'll spend eternity there. And there are really just two destinations to choose from. One is with God. The other one isn’t. If we pick the wrong one, it won’t matter if we had a good time along the way. We will be lost.

So if our destination is eternity with God, we'll need a roadmap for the journey.

Now any old map won't work – just like any old destination won't bring us to the Lord. A successful journey has two parts – living a life pleasing to God and joyfully dancing in his presence till we meet him face to face.

Pull out your compass and try these suggestions:

• Check your destination. Does the arrow point toward eternity with Jesus?
• Evaluate your journey. Are you guided by the Spirit of God?
• Make the necessary course corrections. Give Jesus the wheel.

When society tells you the journey is all that matters – don’t believe it. There’s only one destination worth journeying toward. Behold, the highway of holiness stands before you. It’s a one-way street leading straight to God. Get in the merge lane to enjoy him today and forever.

Living for God (TM) offers resources on Christian living.  Readers may check out the ministry’s latest workshop, Doing the Disciplines with Jesus and His Friends, at www.livingforgod.net or call (719) 578-8837.

Copyright 2006, Calvin R. Wulf and Lisa Are Wulf