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Faith. Purpose. Relevance. |
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When
I was in high school, I wanted to be like Bob Marley, the late Reggae star. When
Bob Marley died, and I did not seem to like the way he died, I was disappointed.
Since then, there had been several other “super stars” I had idolized. The list
included Michael Jackson, Earl Klugh, George Benson and Tracy Chapman. Today
however, the story is different. I no longer want to be like them or anybody for
that matter; “super star or super moon”. I have come to realize the joy in
living purposefully. And anybody who wants to have fulfillment in this life must
locate his purpose and pursue it to the end. Do not frustrate yourself trying to
be somebody you cannot be. Greatness is locked up within you. If you can find an
outlet for this greatness, your life will bring glory to God. You will be
fulfilled as a person. And you will be a blessing to other people.
Guidelines for finding your purpose. “And no
one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He has to be
called by God for this work, just as Aaron was.” (Hebrews 5:4, NLT) One way of
finding your purpose in life is by God’s calling. By this, I mean God will
separate you for a specific assignment. He may do this through several means. He
may speak to you audibly or through the “still small voice” or through dreams
and visions. You may
feel unqualified or inadequate to do the assignment you are called to. Moses
felt that way when God called him to lead the Israelites from Egypt to the
Promised Land. You need not fear “For it is God which worketh in you both to
will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13, KJV) 2. Gifts and talents.
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and
gave gifts unto men.” (Ephesians 4:8, KJV) “God has
given each of us the ability to do certain things well.” (Romans 12:6, NLT) There
are both divine and natural gifts. God blesses people with different kinds of
them. Since everybody is not going to hear a voice or see a vision, God is kind
enough to make it possible to find your purpose through other means. What
ability do you have to do certain things well? For instance, I prefer “letters”
to “numbers”. I am at home with A, B, and C. But when it comes to 1, 2, and 3, I
will direct you to someone else. 3. Choice. “I
call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you
life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and
thy seed may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19, KJV) “But
one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be
taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42, KJV) There is
tremendous power in your choice. It is an indication of your preference. It
tells people what you are attracted to. It signals what you are going to do.
Your choice shows which direction you want to take. If you pursue your choice
long enough, it will determine what you will accomplish. For these reasons,
watch out for the kind of choice you make. Watch out also for the kind of people
or things that influence your choice-making process.
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