“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?”

— Philippians 3:14

The junk heap has been designed for those things that fail to fulfill their purpose. In our house, one time we had a fancy electric can opener—a wondrous thing to behold. The chrome shone brightly as a delightful adjunct to our kitchen. It was even color-coordinated with the color of the walls. It made a marvelous whirring sound when it was turned on. There was only one slight fault: It did not open cans. Guess where it is today. That’s right. In the junk heap.

Outside the city of Jerusalem was a place called the Valley of Hinnom. We know it better as Gehenna, which is translated in the English version of the Bible as “hell.” Into the Valley of Ge-Hinnom was cast all the refuse, all the things that had failed to serve their purposes any longer. That is what garbage is. That is where people go who do not fulfill the purposes God has ordained for them.

Paul makes it very clear that he had a purpose: “This one thing I do.” This integration of all the faculties of life into one single purpose is one of the greatest secrets of success. It has been noted in anyone who has ever accomplished anything significant for good (or evil for that matter), whether it be Florence Nightingale, David Livingstone, Martin Luther or John Calvin—any person who has accomplished a great deal for humankind has had this consuming singleness of purpose.

Let us live for God’s purpose and avoid the junk heap.

Oh Lord, let me not waste my life in futile pursuits, but with singleness of mind, give me strength for today to press on toward the goal. Thank You for Your high calling in Christ Jesus…

BY GOD’S STRENGTH,
WE WILL REACH THE GOAL.