Have you studied the race instructions? Do you know the Map for life? This life is the only one you have. The Life-giver assures us that there is no other, no next time around. "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). That reality makes this life infinitely precious. There is no tragedy like wasting this one life, this unique and priceless opportunity.

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 18:26).

Most people have goals for gaining worldly things. Yet everything in this world is already passing away (1 John 2:17). Inevitably, all that is earthly will ground on the shores of death. So we must have a goal for the soul or spirit, that inner being that will meet its Maker.

The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7).

Sadly, many are drifting toward that meeting without course or compass. Their Day Runners, Palm Pilots and other planners are full of earthly details. But their hearts are careless and their spirits are unprepared. That makes as much sense as polishing a car until it sparkles, then forgetting to steer while driving. It is just like paying attention to a boat's details, then failing to guide it during the race. Perhaps a car or a boat can be replaced. The great difference with a life is that it cannot be replaced. When a person "forfeits his soul" the loss is irretrievable - the ultimate disaster.

The truth is, the race is on already. Life's wind is so strong that you cannot turn back. (You cannot un-live what you have already done.) But, because you are still alive, there is something you can do. You can take the race more seriously.

True, you had no say about arriving here. But you can say something about where you go from here. You can purposefully pursue what is worthwhile.

Sure, you had no choice about receiving earthly life. You do have a choice about receiving the greater gift: "life to the full." You can learn life's goal. You can experience life that is fulfilling and overflowing. You want the best life for yourself. You want it especially for your loved one. You have a Friend who has the same goal for you.

I came that they might have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).

What did Jesus mean? It's time to take a closer look. The Map of life is not something to be glanced at, then set aside. It requires attention. It deserves study.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).

That "word of truth" is Scripture (2 Timothy 3:15-17). We invite you to open the Bible with us. It is the package from the Organizer of life's race. You, like King David, are "fearfully and wonderfully made." God invests so much in you because He has a special purpose for you. He has a course for your life, and a crown at the finishing line.

Here is how to begin your study with World Bible School: Answer the 10 simple questions for this brief lesson. Each question is based on a Scripture quoted in the lesson. You can then proceed to two short courses from WBS. The Introduction Lesson discusses reasons for studying Scripture as the Map for life. Another short course, What Is the Purpose for My Life? goes directly to the subject of life and its goal (based on biblical books about purpose, Ecclesiastes and Ephesians). The sails are up, and the wind is blowing. So go ahead and start now.