6.30.10 "A Life of Purpose"

"A Life of Purpose"

2 Kings 17:1-18:12
Acts 20:1-38
Psalm 148:1-14
Proverbs 18:6-7

Our world is starved for purpose and meaning. It is sad to watch friends and neighbors scramble to fill their lives with so many things in the attempt of finding fulfillment, only to be left empty. I met a young couple a while back that will never have to worry about money again. They will never have to work. That's what people dream of, right? Yet, I have never seen eyes so empty. They were seeking direction to find that there is a plan for their life.

True fulfillment is found as we do what we are created to do. We have a purpose, and we must be consistently reminding ourself of our purpose. Life goes by at such an intense speed that it doesn't take long to get off course. We must constrain our self to become who God has created us to be.

Paul lived a life of purpose. In a farewell address to the Ephesian church leaders in Acts 20, he he says some incredible things.

"I have done the Lord's work humbly - yes, and with tears - and have faced grave danger from the plots of the Jews against my life. Yet I never shrank from telling you the truth, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Gentiles alike - the necessity of turning from sin to God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now I am going to Jerusalem, drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, not knowing what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit has told me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead." (Acts 20:19-23)

How about that? Paul is drawn irresistibly by the Holy Spirit, even though he knows that where he goes from here jail & suffering await. How could someone walk so confident? How could they endure? His next statement is profound:

"But life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." (Acts 20:24)

I don't know what that verse does to you, but it is FULL of some incredible meaning.

1. "Life is worth nothing" - Wow! Remember how Solomon talks about how life is meaningless - a beating at the wind? So many struggle with this feeling that life is meaningless. Maybe you find yourself struggling in that same area. Meaning in life can only be met one way - Doing what you were created to do. There are so many "sugar-substitutes" in life. These are things that appear to offer meaning, but are empty. Busyness for the sake of busyness is a black hole that sucks so many into its trap. When you see someone today who has the "glazed eye" of the meaningless life, try to bring them to the realization that there is a purpose for them. See where that leads...

2. "...unless I use it for doing the work assigned me..." - This directly relates to Active Ministry Involvement (AM I) . The Principle behind AM I is responsibility. As we've talked before about the parable of the talents we are given the charge of taking the resources of this life and putting them to the work of the kingdom. We will be held to account for this. What is the work assigned you? You will be held to account. Later in Acts 20:28 Paul says, "And now beware! Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock - his church, purchased with his blood - for the Holy Spirit is holding you responsible as overseers." You may be thinking this only applies to pastors.... NOT TRUE! think of the ministry you are involved in. You are an overseer for someone! You are responsible for the work of the Lord. Knowing that responsibility should constrain you to remain focussed on the purpose of this life.

3. "..."The work of telling others the Good News about God's mighty kindness and love." Whatever the specific location and nature of our ministry, we all share the same purpose. It's our Mission to Reach Our World for Christ. Some get pretty stressed about this because they feel they don't have the "gift" of evangelism. Regardless of giftings, the purpose is still the same. We are here to Connect people to God. Don't get hung up in your own insecurity of theological understanding. Remember it's God who purifies hearts. You don't have to have all the answers, you just need to know Who does! Just share the "Good News about God's mighty kindness and love."


Don't miss the opportunity you have of this day to live a life of purpose. Life is full of worth as you do what you were created to do!

Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ