Purpose in the Christian Life

What will it take for you to realize something new?
Or is it remembering something you have lost focus of?

Well for me it is coming to the realization of what my life's purpose is. I hear about my friends finding purpose in their lives. And this is good, don't get me wrong we all need purpose, something that pushes us forward, something that drives us.

Now I want you to take a minute to think about that.

What is your purpose?

That is a tough thing to think about, I know.
Now this may not be the first thing in your mind but I'm sure you're wondering,
What is my purpose for that matter?
Why am I asking you that?
And what dose that have to do with the weather?
Well for starters we all should, and need to, take time out to check ourselves, a self-evaluation.
“What drives me?”, “What makes me do what I do?”, or “Why do I do the things I do?”
These are all examples of questions that lead to self-examination.

What’s missing?

In the “Christian” life, we say we do things because of Jesus Christ. And if we call ourselves “Christians” we know that we are “under the gun” or in the sights of others. They focus on us, waiting for us to slip up so they can pass judgment or scoff at us. Or even worse we are only motivated by the actions themselves and there is a selfish motivation to the actions. Well my challenge to you is not to be “purpose driven” as a popular book may tell you, but rather as Christians be “Christ driven.” If Christ is not your purpose, what is? Job, family, friends, keeping up with the latest trends. We all fall into this to varying degrees, but we all must come back to the reasons and purpose of our actions.
So what’s your purpose?

Have you lost focus? Is your goal the same as when you started?

"So we make it our goal to please him,
whether we are at home in the body or away from it."
-2 Corinthians 5:9

Now here is where I really get excited because, as Christians, we are granted freedom in our faith in Christ.
We are Bondservants of Christ. He has set us free from being a slave to sin.
We must obey Christ because we are free!
It is out of love that we obey, that we follow His commands.

[ Pressing on Toward the Goal ] "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."
-Philippians 3:12

He is our Master, our Lord. And in His love and grace our obedience can take many shapes and forms. Let me use this illustration…God’s will is like an umbrella, yes there are things that we can do that are outside of the umbrella but there are so many things that are enveloped in His love and obedience. In other words, we all have a general calling; to spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ but we all have an individual calling in order to minister to a specific person or people group and both are under the umbrella–some work with kids; others with adult discipleship; still some help the needy, elderly and poor; while others work with subcultures and students.

So, are we living to our full potential. That is to say, "Are we following Christ to the full?"

My good friend Ryan gave a sermon on living a “life poured out.” Are you pouring out your abilities and talents to serve and obey God?

What has your faith cost you in life?

Salvation isn’t a free pass to eternal life or flu shot to get to heaven. We are called to live a certain way. Live a life of repentance, a constant turning from sin, when temptation comes we turn away. Not that we won’t sin, it does happen but when it does happen we must repent. Our faith must bear fruit. There is a popular saying, “It is better to give, than to receive.” Are you giving others the same chance to receive redemption by spreading the truth of Christ? Are you giving back to God? Even though nothing we can do will compare to the great work that God has done in His Son Jesus Christ. But out of our love for Him our actions are directed.

So as you go out wherever it is that you go ask yourselves…

Will this bring glory and or honor to God in my taking part?
Or how can I take part in this and bring glory to His name?
What benefit does this have in my Christian walk?
Does this focus on Christ?
Can I do this without endangering my influence on others?
Am I being an example of Christ by doing this?

Just as the weather changed, things can change our mind, our outlook, our life.
Do your actions change other people’s perceptions of what it means to follow Christ?
Is that in a good way or a bad way?

I lost my job and just when I thought I had a temporary position lined up to help with some bills it falls through, yet still I’m staying strong in faith that God will provide. But I am realizing that things aren’t always as they seem. Life is set in seasons. For some a season may last longer than for another. I knew I was working at my last job for a reason, to minister to those I worked with and I am praying for them still. Now that season has ended and a new one is beginning. I thought I had found a short-term job sadly that door was closed, maybe for my benefit so I move on once again. I am realizing as my parents are older I am meeting their needs by working around the house that God is using me here, to grow and help at home, that I am needed here now. It is humbling and I am grateful. Yet still Christ remains my purpose for life, my reason for living and I am not ashamed.

So again I’ll ask you…
What’s your purpose?
Is it Christ? And is that enough?

For me it is more than enough. Christ is everything!

I hope that God reveals Himself to you this week, that you see Him in all things.
Soli Deo Gloria!

Grace & Peace
-ted