Phillipians 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. KJV
In one of the African countries I visited for our evangelistic mission campaign, someone told us about the brutish behaviour of one of their former presidents.
This man ruled the country for over 35 years. He was dictatorial and unbending in his leadership style. He got whatever he wanted.
However, he perpetuated himself in power for over three decades not because he had the power of guns and military might only, he had an understanding of how spiritual things work.
At the beginning of every year, he doesn't eat for seven days. He stayed in a solitary confinement to fast and consult with demons. After those seven days, he sleeps with seven virgin girls. That's the real price he paid to be in power for long.
That's why I laugh at people who think some persons are neutral. People bow or worship something in secret just to be powerful and influential yet appear as neutrals. Don't be deceived.
A child of God that is not sound spiritually may engage in politics or business not knowing that he is going there to do battle with men and women who have paid demonic price to rule.
In politics, business, career, sports and other endeavours, people pay "strange" prices to remain at the top. They don't care what it'll cost them, all they care about is getting to the top and are willing to pay any price to remain there.
The year is ending today. Some who haven't been in church all through the year will be in church tonight in anticipation of the new year.
Some are already writing their goals and plans for the new year. There's nothing new about the messages and counsel that comes with this season. I can predict the kinds of sermons that will be preached in the coming days.
Motivational speakers will speak more on goal setting, vision and plans for the new year. Alot will be fired up to start life afresh and turn a new leaf. It is a yearly routine.
You are not new to goal-setting, vision casting and planning. The question is "are you willing to pay the price to attain your goals in the new year"? Are you ready to apply yourself to the righteous demands of that desire?
Good desire is not enough, goal setting for the upcoming year is not enough, planning is not enough but the willingness to discipline yourself to pay the price is all that matters.
In the coming years, only those that are disciplined enough to pay the price for a new level will rise spiritually and in other areas of life.
Are you willing to pay the price?
Thank God for the blessings of this year and ask for grace to pay the price for the attainment of your vision, dreams and goals.