As I was growing up (many moons ago), one of the common questions evangelists used to say people asked was “Why am I here? What is my purpose in life?” Frankly, I seriously doubt that is a common question today. It might not be a bad question to begin asking ourselves again. There are many people who wander aimlessly through life without any real purpose. They want to live off the dole. They feel entitled to things and so have no reason for doing much of anything. That is not a political statement but a human clay (to borrow from Creed) statement. But do consider this in your thinking;
God leaves us here because He has a mission for us to fulfill. We aren’t here by accident; neither are we here simply to enjoy the good things life has to offer. We are here because God put us here, and He has a sovereign purpose for keeping us here. Billy Graham
Jesus, Himself, had a mission: “To seek and to save that which was lost.” “I have come that you might have life and have it to the fullest.” “The Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus fulfilled His mission. He knew what it was and died fulfilling it.
He gave us a purpose as well: “Go into the all the world, teach, baptize and teach them some more.” (Loose paraphrase of Mt.28:19,20). That last command in there is so important. We aren’t supposed to just get someone to raise their hand or to “say the sinner’s prayer” for whatever that’s worth or to “just ask Jesus into your heart.” I know that sounds sacrilegious to many of you. That’s okay because following Jesus is sooooo much more than saying a prayer or raising a hand. There is a desperate need to help new followers of Jesus see there is more-a purpose- to their decision. Crossing the line of faith involves a huge commitment, a decision to be different.
It also gives us a purpose to fulfill. We each have our own, although there is one common one: make Jesus known. But how we do that, and by what means we do it, all depends on how God has gifted us and enabled us in order to communicate His love to others.
What are your thoughts? Do you know your purpose in life?
I am reading through Craveable now. Your post almost seems cut straight from that cloth. I am still trying to figure out my purpose and my approach.
I think it is a growing process Daniel, one that best fits you and your personality.
Wow, first to comment, this is a first. 🙂
I know that we have a purpose here but I have long lost any sense as to where I belong. I’m no longer sure what part of the body (you know, eyes, hands, feet, etc.) is my intended function, honestly I’m not sure I’ve ever known. I’m at a point where “run and don’t grow weary” actually has some meaning and isn’t just a few words read in passing in the NT. I’m sensing the imploring behind those words.
Frankly, I have grown weary.
On the upside though, it keeps me seeking …
Sorry David…when I approved them Daniel was first. 🙁 Sorry to hear of your struggle. It is not unusual. I do not know your circumstances as to what brought you to this point so can’t speak to that. I can only reiterate what you already know…”run and don’t grow weary.” As you pointed out: it keeps you seeking. I’ll say a prayer for you right now.
I don’t think there are many people on earth that don’t know the Jesus story. So, if that’s the mission, making him known is pretty much mission accomplished.
Some people aren’t content with just making it known. They are intent on getting you to believe it in the same way they believe it. (Which comes in hundreds of different versions) And until you do they label you as a lost person.
So there will always be those who are intent on getting you to believe what they believe and those like me that prefer they keep it to themselves, out of the public square, and preferably without the discrimination, immorality, and labeling that many of those hundreds of versions promote.
I’ve heard the story, I get it, and I am not interested in someone else’s version unless I ask. And most of the people I know have heard the story and get annoyed by people that think they need to hear their version.
So be cautious as to how you go about telling people about your version. They probably already have their own version. And they might have a better version.
Good advice jeff. I do think we can and have, in some instances, become obnoxious in our telling of the story. To be honest, I am committed to my version (as you know and expect) so naturally I would speak of that. But it can be done in a correct manner. Oh, and if you ever decide to ask…. 🙂
I would expect you to stick to the version that works for you (As long as no one else is compromised, which I am sure is true in your case). I like my version for me. And we’ll just let the next person use a version that works for them. And we’ll all be happy or die trying.
I think my purpose is to encourage and stimulate others to love. I want to help other people move in their relationship with the Lord.
Great purpose Larry!
My purpose is to glorify God in all that I do. And it glorify Him when I tell someone He loves them. He is glorified when I come along anyone and encouraged them. Jesus is my example and He came to this earth to seek that which was lost. That’s purpose enough for me.
There is NO better purpose Betty.
Discovering and living our purpose is so exciting! It makes me sad for all the people who never think about it and don’t know that they were created for glorious purpose. What a waste when God has such good plans for us.
I agree Lyn. What a waste.
Good chapter. The words that are still ringing in my ears, “We weren’t called just to make a decision, we are called to make disciples…” The decision is only the beginning. Luke warm doesn’t point to the transforming power and sovereignty of our Father…
It was a good chapter Floyd. I could have talked longer about what was in it. but you have captured the essence of it. Thanks for adding to the discussion.
Great review, Bill! God has called me to write and teach on the topic of leadership. My purpose is to add value and help people become leaders.
I love that statement from Billy Graham! Love this post, as it is a good “reminder” to me that I have a purpose and I need to live that purpose out.
This whole “ask Jesus into your heart” thing has caused many to try to disciple goats.
We are to go into all the world and preach the Gospel….or support those who do.