Tag: purpose of our christian life

What Is Your Purpose

We read of the great exploits and successes of certain Bible characters and wonder how they did it.  The exemplary O.T. Prophet, Daniel, showed us the key to spiritual victories.  Of him it was said, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”  Daniel 1:8. The key?  Daniel “purposed.”

      Purpose is not a moment of mustered motivation or a sudden surge of inspiration. To purpose is to firmly resolve to perform or accomplish a certain thing.  Purpose should also reflect one’s character and/or belief system.  Daniel’s character was one of godliness and he resolutely acted in line with his faith.  All Christians would do well to emulate God’s prophet, Daniel.

     The Bible describes our God as a God of purpose.  He said to the Israelites, “I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.”  Isaiah 46:11. We learn in Ephesians 3:9-11 that the church is God’s eternal purpose in Christ Jesus.  Thank God He will never change or abandon His eternal purpose. 

     Having purpose is needful and commendable but it is not enough.  We know the saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. In other words people go to hell because they do not follow through on their intention to do right – to get right with God.  So it is with purpose.  Having purpose alone without honestly striving to live out that purpose is vain – empty – worthless.

     Christians get inspired when they read Hebrews chapter 11(the Hall of Faith) which is, I believe, the divinely intended effect.  It is a marvelous account of purpose driven believers – servants of God.  Do you realize that they would not have been enshrined in God’s Hall of Faith if they had not been purpose driven and had not acted out their purpose!  Can
we not do the same?

     Could it be that God’s Hall of Fame, Hebrews chapter 11, is not complete?  Could it be there exists an edition in God’s heavenly bookcase wherein is listed names of qualifying Christians coming after those in Hebrews chapter 11?  If so, are you and I in it?  It is up to us.

     A noted Pastor and author wrote a best-selling book a few years ago titled “The Purpose Driven Church.”  My definition of a “purpose” driven church is one filled with “purpose” driven Christians serving our God of “purpose.”  I pray that would describe the New Hope Baptist Church.

GOD BLESS