What are you living for? Your answer to that question will determine so much of the rest of your life! If your purpose is wrong, your direction will be wrong. If your purpose is vague or fuzzy, your direction will be fuzzy. If you don’t know your purpose, you’ll just be swept along by the currents of life until you reach old age, doing what seems to bring you happiness. It is crucial that you be clear and correct in answering the question, “What are you living for?”
A young man came to W. E. Gladstone when he was Prime Minister of England and said, “Mr. Gladstone, I would appreciate your giving me a few minutes in which I might lay before you my plans for the future. I would like to study law.” “Yes,” said the great statesman, “and what then?”
“Then, sir, I would like to gain entrance to the Bar of England.” “Yes, young man, and what then?”
“Then, sir, I hope to have a place in Parliament, in the House of Lords.” “Yes, young man, what then?” pressed Gladstone.
“Then I hope to do great things for Britain.” “Yes, young man, and what then?”
“Then, sir, I hope to retire and take life easy.” “Yes, young man, and what then?” he tenaciously asked.
“Well, then, Mr. Gladstone, I suppose I will die.” “Yes, young man, and what then?” The young man hesitated and then said, “I never thought any further than that, sir.”
Looking at the young man sternly and steadily, Gladstone said, “Young man, your foolish, Go home and think life through!”
The Apostle Paul was clear and focused on his purpose which led to him be clear on focused on so much else. I believe that the purpose for which he lived is the only purpose that takes eternity into account, so whether we live a long life or whether it is cut short, that purpose will be fulfilled.
