March 17: 2 Corinthians 5:9 - One True Goal (Today's Reflection from My Utmost For His Highest)

Wooden signpost at a fork in a forest path, symbolizing the choice to keep our primary aim fixed on pleasing God.

2 Corinthians 5:9
"We make it our aim ... to be well pleasing to Him"

Reflection

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5:9 cut through every lesser ambition: “We make it our aim… to be well pleasing to Him.”

Chambers reminds me that this aim is not automatic. It requires a conscious, steady decision — a daily turning of the heart toward the One who called me. It is so easy to drift into good things that quietly replace the best thing. Ministry, service, helping others, even spiritual work can become distractions if they shift my gaze from Christ Himself.

Paul lived like a musician who cared nothing for applause, only for the approving glance of his Conductor. That image stays with me. It exposes how quickly I can begin performing for outcomes, for usefulness, for visible fruit — instead of for the pleasure of God alone.

Chambers warns that anything, even something noble, that diverts me from the central goal of being “approved to God” becomes a danger. It can disqualify my heart long before it disqualifies my hands. My public worth to God is always shaped by my private obedience.

So I ask myself:

Is my primary aim truly to please Him?

Or have I allowed something good to become the thing I chase?

To keep my aim clear, I must continually bring my motives into His light — not to fear rejection, but to remain aligned with the One who leads me. When my eyes stay on Jesus, the path stays straight, the heart stays soft, and the goal stays pure.

Prayer

Lord, keep my heart centered on You alone.

Let every desire, every effort, and every hidden motive be shaped by the longing to please You.

Align my life with Your will, and steady my steps in Your light.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Fix my eyes on You

Exhale: Make my aim to please You

May my life move in the direction of Your pleasure, Lord, one surrendered step at a time.

~ Quil

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