Paul Henderson lit the lamp and ignited a firestorm of frenzied fans. In 1972, during the final seconds of the eight-game Soviet-Canada series, it was Paul’s poke that became the winning goal and caused Canadians to jump and cheer throughout the land.

Looking back on that moment, he states, “Talk about boyhood dreams—that was the highlight of my 18-year hockey career!” What a thrill that must have been for Henderson—to make the play that decided that game and brought glory to the homeland.

Henderson will forever be remembered in the halls of hockey lore for his mighty score. However, he finds the great goal to be a pale-puck comparison to his real victory on earth.

“Coming to know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior was truly the pinnacle of my entire life,” he says. “Giving Him first place in my life has put everything else in its proper perspective.”

So what goals in life light your fire? It’s not wrong to have objectives and dreams, but the key is understanding where they fit into your ultimate purpose in this world.

Paul Henderson knows that purpose. So did the apostle Paul. In 2 Corinthians 5 he made it clear that our goal must be to please God. He also wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (v. 10).

This solemn truth is a reminder for us today to choose the best goal—living in a way that brings glory to Jesus Christ. Is that your goal?