"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10b NIV); "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Proverbs 29:18).

I think that one of the saddest aspects of our current era is its loss of vision and purpose. But then the folks 2000 years ago might have been saying the same thing!

Florence Nightingale, whose life was spent in service to others, said, "Live your life while you have it. Life is a splendid gift. There is nothing small in it. For the greatest things grow by God's Law out of the smallest. But to live your life you must discipline it. You must not fritter it away in `fair purpose, erring act, inconstant will,' but make your thoughts, your acts, all work to the same end and that end, not self but God. That is what we call character."

Following is something I read years ago and tacked to my computer to remind me that I can't blame anyone else for staying at the bottom of the ladder:

LADDER OF ACHIEVEMENT
100% - I did.
90% - I will.
80% - I can.
70% - I think I can.
60% - I might.
50% - I think I might.
40% - What is it?
30% - I wish I could.
20% - I don't know how.
10% - I can't.
0% - I won't.

Motive has much to do with climbing the ladder, too. If Jesus climbs the ladder with us, we will have the success He wants. If we attempt to climb by ourselves or, much worse, step on others to reach the top, we will find much unhappiness at the top. If it is to serve, then we will find our vision!