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How many people have you known who seem to run out of
life before life runs out on them? I'm convinced that a life without
purpose will expire way sooner than retire. But there's hope, for we
don't have to inadvertently exchange our zest for life and settle into
a mediocre lifestyle. Instead, we can take advantage of living a
purposeful life.
In the better living book called the Bible, God says
through a prophet, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
before you were born I set you apart." (Jeremiah 1:5)
It's refreshing and enlightening to know that our
existence is no accident and that a purpose was planned for us to live
even before we were born. Wow, God does have a purpose for your life!
How important is this to people? Face it, we all know
good men and women who are going to great lengths to find out why
they're alive and what was the purpose for being born.
What are the advantages to living life on purpose?
1. PURPOSE BIRTHS POWER.
Knowing the Creator has a reason for you being on this planet opens
you up to a confidence that will aid you during the difficult tests
life brings your way. The challenges and tasks you face don't have to
be put off or avoided, but rather can be approached with the
realization that a bigger plan is being worked out and you're one of
the key players.
When you get the proper perspective on your purpose,
you become empowered to take the first step toward becoming a better
person, which in turn spills over into all the other relationships you
have.
2. PURPOSE BREEDS FAITH.
If there's ever a time you need faith in God, it's when you start
operating in your purpose, because your purpose will cause you to do
what others only dream of doing.
Case in point in the better living book is a man by
the name of Peter (Matthew 14:22-33). He's a fisherman by trade, but a
"fisher of men" by purpose. On this particular night as he
heeded the instructions of Jesus to take the boat out to sea, he
wasn't surprised or afraid like others would have been, when the winds
started to kick up. But fear came on everyone in the boat when they
looked up and saw the image of Jesus walking on the water. They
thought it was a ghost, but Peter recognized who it was and did
something many people might have dreamed of doing, but never tried. He
asked Jesus if he could walk out on the water to Him and the reply was
simply, "Come." In a sense Peter was told, "If you
think you can do what
seemingly is impossible, what the others who are
sitting in that boat would never try, then go ahead and give it your
best shot."
If you are aware of the story you know Peter stepped
out of the boat and started walking on the water until he looked
around and saw what he was actually doing. It was then that he began
to sink. Sure, we all point out the fact that he sank...but he also
walked on the water while the rest of those in the boat only sat in
disbelief.
What is your purpose demanding of you? To achieve what
only others are thinking and dreaming about requires faith in the God
that has placed the seed of greatness on the inside of you.
3. PURPOSE BRINGS FOCUS.
How many times do we miss the mark because we don't know what we're
aiming at? Purpose helps define where you should be going, what you
should be doing, and whom you should be doing it with.
Most people are simply looking for the next "big thing" in
life to come their way hoping it will substantiate them and bring
satisfaction. Could it be that what we're really looking for is not
another toy that will make us happy or complete us, as much as
stability and security in life?
Like the marksman that eyes the target and blurs out
all the other references, your purpose points you toward the
fulfillment factor that produces joy in living.
4. PURPOSE OUTLINES RESPONSIBILITIES.
With our target in place we can now move forward in pursuing purpose.
We're like the college student entering his first year of school. The
"major" that is chosen will determine the classes, books and
even schedule. Though there are many classes and opportunities
offered, only those "lessons" that pertain to the desired
course of study matter.
When faced with the many prospects life presents, ask
yourself, "What does my purpose require of me?" Not every
battle is yours to fight. Not every cause is yours to take up. Your
success demands that you stay in your lane of expertise so that you
can graduate in life with honors.
Living your life on purpose will allow you to live in
the payoff areas of life that will give you success and eliminate the
carelessness and confusion that leads to uncertainty.
In closing we think of the words the explorer T. E.
Lawrence once wrote, "All people dream, but not equally. Those
who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their mind wake in the day
to find that it was vanity. But the dreamers of the day are dangerous
people, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it
possible."
Purpose is the dream of your day, so be dangerous, do
the impossible, and live life purposely!
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