Not God's Goals

     Our youth pastor spoke today at church. His sermon was a powerful reminder that as Christians our purpose is not to pull away from the world, but to go out into the world and be "salt and light." He said that being a "monk" by withdrawing from secular society so we can remain pure, is not what Jesus did, but instead Jesus studied and learned God's ways from a very young age. He said we are to be those that study the Bible and have an answer filled with kindness and love to those challenging our beliefs.
     He reminded us that the time we spend watching television and entertaining ourselves is time lost and possibly souls lost for the Kingdom of God. It is also time that could be better spent digging into God's word and praying for His direction. It made me realize that my goals are not God's goals. My desires need to line up with the heart of God and He would not want anyone to miss out on eternity with Him. Who am I not praying for due to wasted time and worldly desires?

^{Matthew 5:13} “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.