Living a Purposeful Life in Christ

John W. Gardner, founding chairman of Common Cause, said it's a rare and high privilege to help people understand the difference they can make -- not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of others, simply by giving of themselves.

Gardner tells of a cheerful old man who asked the same question of just about every new acquaintance he fell into conversation with: "What have you done that you believe in and you are proud of?"

He never asked conventional questions such as "What do you do for a living?" It was always, "What have you done that you believe in and are proud of?"

It was an unsettling question for people who had built their self-esteem on their wealth or their family name or their exalted job title.

Not that the old man was a fierce interrogator. He was delighted by a woman who answered, "I'm doing a good job raising three children;" and by a cabinetmaker who said, "I believe in good workmanship and practice it;" and by a woman who said, "I started a bookstore and it's the best bookstore for miles around."

"I don't really care how they answer," said the old man. "I just want to put the thought into their minds. "They should live their lives in such a way that they can have a good answer. Not a good answer for me, but for themselves. That's what’s important."

There are many today who are living their lives without purpose. We wake up, maybe go to work or school, come home, go to bed, and then do the same thing again the next day, and the next, and the next, etc. Before you know it, we find ourselves living a routine, but without any real purpose. Of course, I am being very simplistic here but you can see how easy it would be to get so caught up in the daily course of living that we just go robot-like through the motions.

The good news is that God wants so much more for us than to simply pass aimlessly through this life. In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes to the Gentiles, “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:10-11)

This epistle was written to encourage believers to walk as fruitful followers of Christ and to serve in unity and love in the midst of persecution. Paul knew that in order for the church to survive the followers needed to be reminded of their purpose. What purpose was he talking about?

In chapters 1-3, Paul teaches about the unity of believers. These are the truths and blessings that all believers have in common. He wrote that all Christians are “adopted as sons through Jesus Christ” (1:5). All believers are, “redeemed through His blood” (1:7), and “sealed by the Holy Spirit” (1:13). Paul continues on to clear up one of the most misconceived and/or often ignored subject even to this day, “Salvation by Grace”. He wrote that salvation is by the “Grace” of God and that it is through “Faith”, and that no one can contribute to salvation, in any way, even with good deeds.

In chapters 4-6, Paul encourages the believer to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling”. Every believer has a responsibility to live as servants of Jesus Christ. In these chapters, Paul teaches that it takes hard work to be in unity with others; and that we are to be “imitators of God” (5:1). He mentions imperative truths and advice for well functioning families, including husbands and wives who upon the oath of marriage become as “one flesh” (5:31). In chapter 6, Paul instructs believers how to prepare for spiritual battle by dressing in the “full armor of God” (6:11). Prayer is the key weapon of the Christian soldier. He emphasizes his principle with the repeated statement “stand firm”.

As you can see, Paul made certain that the believers were well aware of their purpose for being true followers of Jesus Christ. These were very dangerous and trying times for Christians. It would have been easy, especially under the constant threat of persecution, for them to become disillusioned and lose focus. Paul was well aware of this, and his reassuring words were just what they needed to hear. So, only one thing yet remains to be asked here. Do you have a clear purpose for living in Christ? Perhaps it’s time to perform a “purpose” checkup of your life? It’s never too late, and no time is better than now.

Scripture Readings: John 11:52; John 18:37; Acts 2:23; Romans 8:28; Romans 8:30; Ephesians 1:11

Let’s pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that I am living my life with the purpose of faith that you have intended for me; and that I am not just going through the motions without rhyme or reason; but with the clear intention of fulfilling my purpose and responsibility of living as your faithful servant. Amen

Have a blessed day,

Sarah