Looking at the End

I received some good advice as a young leader a number of years ago to "think with the end in mind". This advice has helped me plan out multiple areas of my life: ministry, family goals, relationships, finances and the list goes on...figuring out what I would like to accomplish and set the correct steps to achieve my goals and then being able to follow the vision set as I achieve those goals. Well, I was reminded of this advice this week as I read "Chazown" written by Craig Groeschel. Chazown is the Hebrew word for "vision" and I was reminded for all that I am involved to ask myself 'where am I going?' and 'What am trying to accomplish?' To start the practice of thinking with the end in mind, Mr. Groeschel had the reader begin by writing your epitaph focusing on the way you want it to be.

He gave five statements (p. 27) to help the reader write and italics are my answers,

• The thing that was most important to me was...leaving a legacy that God was glorified through my life
• People say I stood for...never settling for the status quo
• I made a difference in my world by...putting others before me
• God was glorified because I...picked up my cross daily and followed Him
• People knew I loved them because...time I took to invest in their lives
• The reason I expect God to say "well done" is...Love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Have you ever thought with the end in mind and how did that benefit you? How would you answer these questions looking back on your life?

Luke 14:27, Matthew 10:38
Luke 10:27