PURPOSE 101

To state the obvious, “there is a lot going on in the world today!” So much activity, confusion and hardships in every arena. I have been somewhat quiet (Blog wise) because I have been very disgusted and angry with the things  I am observing in the world; Especially in our country (the U.S.) where government, education, politics, media and even the Church is concerned. I knew that if I shared my thoughts prior to this moment, I would simply be guilty of “murmuring and complaining.” Sometimes it’s better to say nothing at all, if you can’t speak words that help. So I had to discipline myself and get myself together. So, having said all of that, it is my humble opinion that many people and institutions have lost sight of their God-ordained purpose. It’s time for a refresher course on purpose.

God is a God of purpose. Everything God does in us, with us and through us is to accomplish His purpose on the earth. To fulfill your destiny (finish the course that God has specifically assigned to you), you must find and pursue the God-ordained purpose for your life. Ephesians 1: 10-11 reads, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the PURPOSE (italics and uppercase are my own for emphasis) of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:”

Purpose is the original intent or reason for the existence of a thing. Not knowing the purpose of a thing usually leads to abuse (abnormal use). The Bible tells us that God ordained nations and governments, not necessarily the people who run them, but the entities themselves. These various entities that God has ordained for His purpose, after the counsel of his own will are trying to remove the influence, teachings and moral standards from their rulings; even the very God that gives them purpose! Naturally, when this happens, abuse abounds. When a nation and it’s leaders began to legislate things like “same-sex” marriage, as a whole, they have lost sight of God’s purpose for marriage, family and nations.

Everything and every person has a purpose, especially the Church of Jesus Christ. I believe the Church is the greatest institution (please allow me to use this word institution for simplicity sake) on earth! We are the salt and light of the world. We are the ones who will rule and reign with Christ for all eternity. We may seem like a bunch of “rag-tag” and “slip-shod” people but God is at work and when it is all said and done, “WE WIN!” But because of our vital position as the Body of Christ (the Church) in this world, it is essential that we never forget, nor cease to operate according to God’s purpose and will. Attending the local church regularly and faithfully is the will of God and has it’s purposes. One such purpose is to provoke (to stir up, incite) other believers to love and to do good works. Your regular and faithful church attendance has a tremendous influence on the lives of others and the purposes of God. Hebrews 10:24-25 reads, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is: but exhorting one another: and so much more, as ye see the day approaching.”

The Church is God’s instrument and representative on earth to make disciples of Jesus Christ and fulfill their purpose on earth in their generation. We have the awesome opportunity to be involved in God’s plan and purpose for this generation. To accomplish the will of God for our lives we must make the eternal purposes of God our focus and not the temporal things in life! I understand the importance of  having a nice home and car; getting a good education, having to pay bills, take vacations, support some political party and having some form of entertainment in life. I’m not making light of these things. I simply want to put you in remembrance that these things will pass away, and that they should be engaged only in the light of God’s purpose and plan. You should always be seeking to know God intimately and seeking first the kingdom of God.

Invest your life (gifts, talents, skills and resources) into God’s plan and purpose. Don’t allow the world’s “ways” distract you and siphon off your gifts, talents, skills and resources from the Church and the Kingdom of God. By the way, your gifts, talents and skills do not necessarily define your purpose. They usually just help to fulfill your purpose. Using your gifts and talents does not mean you are fulfilling your purpose. You may have a wonderful singing voice, singing regularly for some organization or group of people, but that does not mean you are fulfilling your purpose. You may be serving in the ministry, utilizing your gifts, talents and skills but because you left the place you were assigned to serve (in offense), you are not fulfilling God’s purpose and will for your life. You are using them in the wrong place for the wrong reasons! In other words, where you use your gifts and talents is a part of your purpose.

Just using what you know to be a God-given gift, talent or skill does not mean you are fulfilling God’s purpose or will. It’s how you use them and who you use them for. Even why (your motivation for why) you use your gifts, talents, skills and resources will greatly impact your purpose and destiny. Some people are willing to sacrifice their purpose for the accolades of men and the temporal rewards of using their gifts and talents in any venue. It is easy to become offended with leadership when we place our part (gifts, talents, skills and resources) above the purpose of the whole (God, the Church, Business, Family, etc.).

The principles of change and time (seasons) are connected with purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven:” I know that in many ways we are living in difficult times, but you have been called for such a time as this. Don’t give up on your purpose because of the time or season component. Don’t allow offense and selfishness to sabotage your purpose. Don’t allow tough economic times to dissuade you from investing in God’s purposes. No matter what time or season you find yourself in, always pursue God’s purpose. We need a people and especially leaders that have an understanding of times and what we ought to do in those times. Church, we more than any other, should demonstrate the purpose of God. Finally, as we walk in the purpose of God, Jesus said the gates of hell shall not prevail against His Church. So let’s Stand (for His purpose & standard) and Win!