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By Mark Wilmoth

Here’s your quiz. Alexa, Siri and Google aren’t allowed to help.

Name the five wealthiest people in the world. Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners. Name the last three winners of the Miss America Pageant. Name five people who have received a Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

How’d you do? Not well? Don’t feel bad; most people will fail that test miserably. That’s sad, considering that those recipients are superstars, folks who have attained the highest level in their chosen endeavor. They have more money, look more beautiful or achieve more in their careers than nearly all of their peers. They’ve devoted countless hours of education, practice and work to reach that level of success and gain their “15 minutes of fame.” But that’s about how long it lasted — 15 minutes. Then the media focused its attention on the next crisis or the next star, and these folk’s names and accomplishments were quickly forgotten.

The Apostle Paul aimed for something more. In Philippians 3:4-6 (NIV), Paul lists some of his credentials: “… If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” Paul proudly points to his Jewish heritage, his careful obedience to God’s law, and his reputation as a mover and shaker, a friend of the High Priest who was tasked with persecuting the church. Having studied at the feet of Gamaliel, Paul (or Saul, as he was then known) was an up-and-comer in the leadership of the nation of Israel.

But then Paul threw it all away. Paul became a Christian and started preaching the faith he had always persecuted. With that choice, Paul turned his back on earthly success and fell from grace with his greatest supporters. But in Philippians 4:8, Paul tells us how he feels about that fall: “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ…” It’s significant that some translations choose the word “dung” or “manure” instead of “garbage.”

Paul’s new goal is to “gain Christ,” a goal that will provide eternal satisfaction instead of 15 minutes of earthly fame. Money, success, beauty and fame bring temporary pleasure, but Paul is looking for something far more satisfying and lasting; he wants to attain “resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:11).

To that end, Paul says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul clearly understands where he wants to end up and, as far as he’s concerned, that goal of Heaven is worth any earthly sacrifice.

So, what’s your goal in life, and what are you doing to achieve it? Harvey Mackay said, “A dream is just a dream. A goal is a dream with a plan and a deadline.” Paul could clearly articulate what he wanted to accomplish in life, and what he was willing to do to achieve that goal. Can you? What’s your plan, and your deadline?

But let’s go farther. How does your goal stack up against eternity? If you reach your goal, will it bring you “15 minutes of fame” or will it be an achievement with more lasting rewards? Is your goal worth the sacrifices you’ll have to make to reach it?

This time of year, lots of folks mull over their goals for the year ahead. For many, the goals are mundane — losing weight, spending less time in front of the tube or getting a better grip on their budget and expenses. Others aim higher, choosing to focus more time on family or friends, or perhaps devoting themselves to volunteer work and community impact. Whatever the goal, a plan followed with consistent effort will likely be required for success. Tom Landry, the legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys said, “A champion is simply someone who didn’t give up when he wanted to.” So, is your goal worth the sacrifices and effort you’ll have to make to achieve it?

Paul’s was. His goal was to “gain Christ.” Paul knew that, without Jesus, nothing else matters.

Mark Wilmoth is with Pinehurst Christian Church in Marietta and can be reached at Minister@PinehurstChristianChurch.org