Several years ago, I was at a conference for children’s ministry put on by an organization that is exceptional at creating curriculum for students of all ages. I don’t remember too much about the sessions individually, but I left with one thing written on my heart. To “think with the end in mind” was the ultimate goal. At the conference, this specifically referred to the fact that everything that they created was intended to lead students deeper into a relationship with Christ.
However, as I traveled home with this on my mind, I realized that I had held this perspective in my own life for quite a while already. I had been living with tunnel vision on the truth that all we have left when we are gone is what we have done for Jesus, as my youth minister had pressed this into our hearts. Looking back on this I am so extremely grateful because this has shaped the way I have lived my life ever since, seeing every decision, opportunity, and circumstance through the lens of eternity.
As we see in Galatians 2:20, if we have been given a new life through Christ, the way we think about every single detail should reflect that relationship. Every thought should mirror our belief that we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. Every decision should reflect the truth that at the end of our days, at the end of our lives here on earth, it is all about Him. The only two things that will matter is if we knew Him and the things we did for Him (which includes WHO we told about Him). With whom have we shared the beautiful news of the Gospel? These are the matters of eternity. One of my favorite passages in Scripture comes from Colossians 3, but today I want to focus on verses 1-4, although I encourage you to dive into the whole chapter.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4
I love that Paul, the author of Colossians, writes that when we become followers of Christ setting our minds on things above is imperative. It is key to die to our desires daily, so that when people look at out lives and our decisions all they will see is Christ in our life. This friends, is what is looks like to live a life with the end in mind. Always remembering that all we will have when we are relieved from this earth are the things we have done for Jesus, to lay at His beautiful feet in a moment of intimate reunion with our Savior.
Stand Firm in the Faith,
Rachel
Thank you so much for sharing this today. I am sitting during my lunch time reading the blog and realizing that I have always heard “Start With the End in Mind” in my education classes, but never really thought about the same principle being applied to my spiritual walk with Christ. I am so glad that “I Know HIM” but its not enough for me to just know Him. I want to live for Him because I love HIM and bring others to know the most incredible Father and Friend that I serve. Keeping this principle of “Starting With the End In Mind” in my spiritual walk will help me do just that. Thank you so much for sharing this today Rachel. I truly felt like these words were just for me today. Appreciate you guys! 🙂
Friend you have no idea how excited I am to hear this! I am so thankful that God was able to use this to sweetly encourage you to be bold in your faith. It really is all that matters at the end of the day. It’s cool that they talk about that in education classes- I had no idea! What a sweet thing for the Lord to prepare just for you! Thanks for sharing your heart today on this- it was a blessing to me! Much love -R.