Scripture for Today:  Philippians 3:12  “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

There is no mystery at all as to why driftwood is called driftwood. It is simply wood that has drifted. The wood comes to be in the water through flooding or storms breaking off tree branches. Or it could be there as a result of logging. In any case, the wood drifts aimlessly at the whim of the waves. When and where it washes up on to shore seems completely arbitrary. Just like for some people, circumstances push and prod to move a body from here to there with no clear goal in mind.

In today’s verse, Paul lives his life with a specific goal in mind. He wants to gain Christ (verse 8) be found in Christ (verse 9) and to know Christ (verse 10). Paul not only wanted to know Jesus and His power, he was ready to suffer for His sake. He was willing to completely deny himself and take up his cross to follow Him (Luke 9:23). His goals would last a lifetime and make his life significant. There would be no aimless drifting through life for him!

As I face a New Year, it seems as good a time as any to stop and think about my goals. Making resolutions that are forgotten by the Spring are not helpful. But to live a life that is intentional will mean that I do not drift aimlessly. I find that with passing time, the years seem to fly by quicker than they used to. What is my purpose? I can think of no loftier one than to know Him, to love Him and to serve Him. Like Paul, I want to press on with goals that are eternally significant!

Lord, keep me from drifting today or this year!