In Acts 13, we read about the first missionary journey by Paul & Barnabas. They were sharing the good news, and in the middle of a sermon, Paul says this:
“For David…served the purpose of God in his own generation” (Acts 13:36)
Now, I want to be successful. Actually, more than that, I want everyone to know that I am successful. And hopefully they’ll see it before I die? But what is really the definition of success. Could it be that Success is in the fulfilling of the complete purpose for which God made you?
I read somewhere that the word used in the Bible for sin originates in the sport of archery – it is the word used to say that you have missed your mark; or missed the target. I am here on earth to fulfill a purpose, and sin is when I do not reach that purpose.
But what IS my purpose? What in heaven’s name am I doing on earth? Why am I here?
Maybe a study of the life of one of the faith giants in the Bible could point us in some direction; the life of Paul or David. Or Jesus.
Jesus himself had a mission. He spend 3 years on His ministry & then prayed this prayer to the Father: “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” (Joh 17:4). He finished his work, and that was before the cross.
In the life of Jesus, I see the following themes visible in all His actions and his teachings:
– He helped people to know God and to worship Him alone
– He taught them to love each other
– His whole life showed them how he expected them to live & sent them out to teach it others
– He served His followers, taught them how to Serve God & sent then out to serve others
– He gave them a mission to bring the Good News: You can fulfill your purpose
So, maybe my purpose is to Worship God, Love His People, Follow His example, Serve Him and Spread the Good News. What is YOUR purpose?
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