Purpose…

We are all looking for and wanting to know our purpose. If you don’t believe me look how Rick Warren book “Purpose Driven Life” touched millions of people. We all want to know what our purpose is. We all want to know why I am here?

2 Corinthians 5:15 says…

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

First we see Christ died for all…he didn’t die for some, but all. This is important to remember…Christ died for all. In the same chapter we see how God was “reconciling the world to himself in Christ, v.19.” God want to save the world, through His Son. This is clearly taught throughout Scripture…all have the opportunity to accept or deny the message of Christ.

Second, we no longer live for ourselves, but we are to live for Christ…We no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ!

Galatians 2:20 Says, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me…

The purpose of life is found in the person of Christ. It is only when we no longer live for ourselves, will we find and understand our purpose. The first chapter of Rick Warren’s book simply says, “It’s not about you.” It’s not about us…it is about Christ…we find our purpose in Him and Him alone.

Purpose is important for all of us. It drives us and keeps us moving when life gets us down. I think of all the times I have fallen in life and felt like giving up, purpose has helped me back to my feet. I preach and I have to admit I struggle to be in front of people. It is something for me that is not natural. I can talk one on one, or to a small group in a teaching environment. But preaching is another story. I preached my first sermon, I stood at parade rest. Arms locked behind my back, scared to death. The two years I preached at Northside Baptist, I bet you can still find my finger prints on the pulpit from gripping it so hard. I get nervous and I beat myself up if I think I failed. The point is I could have pursued a different career path, an easier path. But I can’t…I have a purpose; I have been called to preach. My purpose is in Christ, it isn’t about me. I get up there and try my best…because of Christ.

All of us have a purpose in Christ…we are to find our worth in Him. No matter where I work or live, I live and work for Christ. Christ is everything!

-ps