I’ve just finished reading For the City, a book co-authored by one of my church’s pastors, Matt Carter. In it, Carter mentions that he wants to live in such a way that that at the end of his life, he has no doubt that what he accomplished could only be done through God’s power.
“Are you living in a way that requires God’s supernatural power for your calling to be lived out?” he asks.
My answer is a simple, “No.” How sad is that? I’m just kind of hanging out. Coasting.
I’m also reading Tim Ferriss’ 4-Hour Workweek. In it, he starts with what seems like another pretty easy question: “What excites you?”
I had to sit and think for a long time (I’ve been coasting), and I realized that my answers don’t have much to do with working or life goals or self-actualization or anything like that. I’m excited about friends, creativity, and God saving his Creation. And, of course, alcohol.
What do those have to do with each other? I think everything.
Because in the end, this will be the reality of all space and time:
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”
I’m excited about the right things, but my actions don’t necessarily reflect that. But I want them to. I want to be living in a way that acknowledges that God is for us. I want to be for my neighbors and co-workers and the Creation all around me.
So, after thinking about current station in life, I set the following goals for myself:
- Be a great husband.
- Be a great steward with the “talents” (finances and skills) God has given me.
- Be creative.
- Be involved in my town.
- Be a badass street lawyer.
That sounds like a life worth living.
