A puff of smoke, a gust of wind, a spark of lightning, all transient, lasting only seconds, but all having the potential for great impact. Such are our lives, a mist, here today and gone the next. But what will we do with the mist that’s been given to us? Will we choose earthly success for ourselves or will we choose to impact the lives of others? In comparison to eternity, all we have here are mere seconds. To make those seconds count beyond this life, our motivation has to be to live for more than ourselves. In the mountains and valleys of life, we don’t get to have control. All we can do is take our God appointed place and walk it out with the goal of not merely success, but true significance. By adding value to those around us and leaving a legacy that will touch heaven.

Success is about adding value to you; significance is about adding value to others.

1. Obedience

Oftentimes we make plans in our lives and forget to ask God what he wants us to do. And when we do that we are missing the chance to live a life of true significance. When we are obedient to God’s voice, not only we are showing him that we trust him, but that we are also willing to live a life that’s more than just about self-fulfillment.

Instead, you ought to say “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” —James 4:15

2.  Service

Service is about what you do with what you have. Many times we are called to do big things with our talents, gifts or money. There are resources and talents instilled in us that we store away. We may accidentally fall into greed when we hoard what is given us.

“For where your treasure is, your heart will be also.” —Matthew 6:19

Following Jesus requires our commitment day in and day out. This path is demanding and our perseverance is successful when we focus with the end in mind. We can easily drift away from what God has called us to be without this kingdom mindset. Our ultimate goal is to build the kingdom of heaven. This requires us to not only be obedient and serve others but we must do so with joy in our hearts, without grumbling and complaining as we wait for the promises of Christ. Be patient and stand firm. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy in the midst of our suffering. Rejoicing in Christ allows us to persevere through every season and every circumstance. As the farmer waits patiently for the harvest, we must wait expectantly for the glorious promises Christ has for us.