In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells us if you want to construct a tower, you have to first calculate the cost to see if there is enough for completion. Otherwise, after laying the foundation, you may find yourself unable to finish the work and people will laugh at you. This parable is an analogy for discipleship. The reward is great: eternal life with God in heaven. But there is a cost: sacrifice and suffering.
The management guru Stephen Covey in his best-selling book “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People” lists the second habit as “begin with the end in mind.” Have a clear understanding of your destination and then take the steps that will move you in the right direction.
As disciples of Jesus, if we truly want to get to heaven, then we need to start with the end (heaven) in mind and begin preparing for it on a daily basis. Our friendship with Jesus does not remain static. Every decision we make, even the tiny ones, either moves us closer to Jesus or moves us farther away.
Because God loves us so much, He does not want us to move backwards. Thankfully, the Church has given us the gift of Advent to help us prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus on Christmas and also a time to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus.
Here are some ideas to help us prepare…
Become God-centered. What are those other “gods” that you place before God? Try giving some of them up and spend time in daily conversation with God. Fasting isn’t a punishment. Fasting allows us to gain power over physical desires, grow in gratitude, accept suffering, be more patient and ultimately “empty” ourselves to be “filled” by God.
Become others-centered. Our relationship with Jesus is personal, but it is not meant to be private. Share your faith story with others. No one can argue with you about your relationship with Jesus! It’s your story. That should give you the strength and courage to share it with others. If we truly love our family and friends, don’t we want them to have the same joy and peace that we have? It may be uncomfortable at first, but that’s the cost for a great reward. Someone said, “Isn’t a little awkwardness on earth worth eternal life with God in heaven?”
Focus on children, youth and young adults. As kids, we were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Maybe we should change the question to, “What do you think God wants you to become?” Engage children and young adults about God. Talk to them about their gifts and to be grateful for them. Unfortunately, too many children and young adults do not see God as an option in their lives because no one talks to them about it.
Develop a mission statement. This is twofold. First, look at your parish mission statement. If it’s not clear, concise, inspirational and memorable, change it. Most parish mission statements could be some version of “Love God. Serve Others. Make Disciples.” Second, develop your own personal mission statement. Have a short phrase that will keep you God-centered. Scripture verses or quotes from saints are a good start. Examples are “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks…” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Or, “Jesus, I trust in You.”
Start with the end in mind. Prepare for the coming of Jesus. Encourage others to do the same.
David Baranowski is the director of stewardship education in the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He and his wife are parishioners at Assumption in south St. Louis County.