As I have grown mentally, I have discovered that I do not pursue unrealistic goals for my life. I’ve realized that I will not become a professional soccer player. It is very unlikely that I will become a chess grand master, and I have accepted that I will not become a secret service agent with ancient ninja skills. However, I can be certain that I will live eternally with God. I have found that this is a goal worth chasing in life.

At the end of the day, I would rather be able to say that I have a room in heaven, than be able to say that I won the World Cup with a bicycle kick. Colossians 3:2 says: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

 

When I am in the world, away from other disciples, my mind can easily lose sight of heavenly things. For example, I find myself trying to impress girls at school, although deep down in my heart I know that my efforts are meaningless and unrewarding. One of my biggest struggles as a disciple so far is always being convinced that my desires are less important than God’s wishes and others’ wishes.

Sometimes I just need to say to myself out loud, “Collin, are you going to spend your time with God or are you going to spend your time doing the things that you want to do?” Asking myself questions like this help me make the best decisions.

 

Investing my time in reading the Bible is very worthwhile and inspiring, yet I often fail to accept this fact. A scripture that helps me when I am stressed and overwhelmed is Psalm 46:10, which says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Again, at the end of the day, God is all-powerful and all-knowing, and never stops guiding my steps.

God blows my socks off day after day. He never ceases to amaze me. Psalm 18:19 says, “He rescued me because he delighted in me.” As corrupted as I have been, God delights in me. That fills my tank to overflowing. There is always something more, something long left undiscovered that steals my heart. God is always challenging me in new ways.

 

As the word of God has been shared with me, and his will revealed to me, I have fallen in love with him. How can I refuse to live my life for him? The author of life breathes breath into me and pursues my heart. Could I ask for or imagine a better Lord? He gives my life purpose and meaning. This is the God that I have decided to live my life for.