The Purpose Of Life
Philippians 3:14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. [HCSB]
What is your purpose in life? Is it merely to survive? Is it to gather things or build a reputation? What if our life is meant to be more than that? What if our purpose goes beyond our occupation or family or place? What if those are merely tools God has given us to accomplish our purpose in life?
Our purpose in life is to glorify God. To praise and recognize His importance in everything. No matter what else we may be doing we are to glorify God. Not because He needs it - we can't add to His glory it is already infinite - but because glorifying God completes us. It is, after all, what we were created to do. Every moment of our life is meant to be a living breathing devotion to God and His glory.
Webster’s defines devotion as an act of love, loyalty or enthusiasm. The Apostle Paul was fully devoted to his purpose in life. In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul described his devotion as running for a goal he knew he could not reach in this life - to be more like Christ. Jesus always glorified His Father through every action He took and every word He spoke. The goal of Paul's devotion then, and ours today, is to follow Jesus' perfect example in glorifying God.
Webster’s defines devotion as an act of love, loyalty or enthusiasm. The Apostle Paul was fully devoted to his purpose in life. In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul described his devotion as running for a goal he knew he could not reach in this life - to be more like Christ. Jesus always glorified His Father through every action He took and every word He spoke. The goal of Paul's devotion then, and ours today, is to follow Jesus' perfect example in glorifying God.
How we do that is going to be different because God has created each of us to be different. He has given us various gifts and talents, put us in positions to learn various skills so obviously He does not intend all of us to glorify Him the same way. You may have a secular job that you love that is fulfilling - great use it to glorify God. Be a witness, start a bible study or a prayer time. You may stay at home - great check on your neighbors, love your neighborhood, encourage those on your street. Look for any opportunity God gives you to point others to Him and for you to grow closer to Him.
You see, the Christian life is not spent sitting idly waiting for something to happen, it is an active, chasing, running faith - a pursuit! When your mindset becomes one of devotion to Him then you begin to see Him in parts of your life you didn’t realize before.
I love how Warren Wiersbe describes this passage in his commentary: "Many Christians are self-satisfied because they compare their “running” with that of other Christians, usually those who are not making much progress. Had Paul compared himself with others, he would have been tempted to be proud and perhaps to let up a bit. After all, there were not too many believers in Paul’s day who had experienced all that he had or accomplished all that he had! But Paul did not compare himself with others; he compared himself with himself and with Jesus Christ." (1)
One thing I can promise you is that our purpose in life is not to build a name for ourselves. Our purpose has to be more than that because the things we strive for are more than the things of this world. More than money or fame or even respect. Our purpose goes beyond this life.
How are you doing in your devotion to God in your daily life? If you are like me you are far from perfect at it. Remember these wise words from Jeff Iorg:
“Ask yourself: Am I changing to be more like Jesus? Progress, not perfection, is the goal”. - Jeff IorgTo discover more, visit www.http://oakgrovebaptistchurchtn.com/
References: (1) Be Joyful by Warren Wiersbe
I like it keep it up
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