What's our goal?

There is an interesting article on TheOOZE that talks about how the moment of salvation has become the end goal for many. Here is a salient quote:

Christians too often present the moment of salvation as the finish line. Pastors, camp counselors, concerned friends and church programs place so much emphasis on that moment that everything else seems unimportant by comparison. Then we wonder why so many people treat Jesus like fire insurance. If we present salvation as the finish line, how can we act surprised when people feel like they can take it easy after that? They think, “I followed all the rules. I said a prayer. I’m good. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and wait for Jesus to come back.”

We make the beginning the goal. It's like watching a basketball game and turning it off after the tip-off.

Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34, NIV). He doesn't stop after taking up the cross. We must follow him wherever that takes it. He may ask us to serve AIDS patients, move across country (or around the world), feed the hungry, etc. There are any number of things he may require of us. Our job is to do it. One thing is certain about becoming a Christ-follower. Your life will change. You will change. The moment of salvation is only the beginning, the tip-off of the game.