His Primary Goal

  Paul's primary goal was simply expressed in Second Corinthians 5: 9: "Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him." He had just said he was willing to be absent from the body and be present with the Lord. But whether alive or in the life after this, his target is plain. He wanted to be accepted of him, having reference to the Christ.

  What is your greatest concern and ambition? Should it not be as Paul? What else in life is so important as being accepted by the Lord? All other accomplishments fade into nothingness compared to that. We see why Jesus taught us to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness before all else (Matt. 6: 33).