God has called us to live productive, joyful, and hopeful lives. We are not called to live a life of holding on with white-knuckled grasp, waiting for all this to be over so we can hang out in Heaven. Psalm 27:13 says, "I remain confident of this - I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
If God is going to bless us with His goodness here on earth He must have a good reason for it. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." So, we know there is a purpose to this life on earth, work that we were created for, a calling on our lives that is specific and unique to each of us individually.
And, while He does have work for us to do, this work is not supposed to be a work that weighs us down. Matthew 11L30 says, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light."
What does this look like, this individual purpose each of us has, that is so unique, so important, and yet so light?
Before anything else, we know that God wants us to bring glory to Him. Why? Well, first of all, He deserves it! But could it also be because He loves every single person on earth and wants each of us to see the truth of His saving love for us? Matthew 4:14:16 says " A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
The purpose of light is to make it possible to see what we are doing and where we are going. There are many places in the Bible where light is referred to in the context of lighting the way to goodness, to truth, to life - to Jesus. Here are a few of them.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. ~ John 1:1-5 This verse is referring to Jesus as the light that shines in the darkness, and the darkness has no power over this light.
The prophet Isaiah prophesied of the coming of the light - The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. ~ Isaiah 9:2
Isaiah 9:2 was referenced again in Matthew 4:16 at the beginning of Jesus ministry on earth, reminding us that Jesus is the light - The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. ~ Matthew 4:16
How, then, shall we live in such a way as to bring this light into the world daily? In his Epistle to the Philippians Paul writes this - Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. ~ Philippians 2:14-16
Practical Application
So, since we are God's handiwork, created and uniquely designed by God the way we are for a reason, there has to be a way of living our lives with purpose just the way we are as we continue to grow. Our unique personality, experiences in life (both good and bad), talents, skills and interests all come in to play here.
Here are a few ideas -
identify the things that truly interest you. What could you talk about as long as someone will listen? What topics could you research and follow rabbit trails down endlessly? What do you like to read about or watch TV shows and documentaries about?
Take note of and own your strengths and talents. What do others think you are good at? Sometimes we are blind to our own abilities. Because something seems simple or enjoyable to us, we think it comes naturally to everyone.
Imagine your best possible self. How do you imagine yourself at your very best - giving your best contribution to life and enjoying it immensely?
Look at the people you admire. Read their biographies or watch documentaries of their lives. Notice the obstacles they overcame and how they used their strengths and talents. How did they overcome their weaknesses? Take note of how they used hardship to move them forward instead of holding them back.
Now Move
As each has received a gift, use it to serve on another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Pe
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: If prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. ~ Romans 12:6-8
Let us use them! I love how straightforward these verses are. He says He's given us the gifts, now go make use of them. Take your place in the world and do the work you've been assigned. Don't let fear of the opinions; of others stop you from living generously, passionately and joyfully, with strength, in order to live the life you were meant for and bring glory to God.
To learn more about why I write, and why I share my life here, please read this post - Uniquely You, For a Purpose.
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