Submitted by David Miller
When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Acts 11:23
When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Acts 11:23
If you were asked to complete the sentence "My purpose of life is . . ." what would you say? As Christians, I know we would quickly say, "God." But let's be honest and not just say what we think is the right thing to say. What really is your purpose in life? To put it another way, where do you channel most of your energy? What do you think about the most? What is the most significant thing to you in life?
Some people, if they answered honestly, would say, "My purpose in life is to have fun." Someone else might say, "My purpose in life is to experience pleasure." Another might say, "My purpose in life is to be successful." Another might say, "My purpose in life is to make money."
The book of Acts tells us that when Barnabas came to Antioch, he exhorted the believers there "that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord" (Acts 11:23). And Paul said,"For my determined purpose is that I may know Him that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly]" (Philippians 3:10, amp).
Paul knew where he was going. And if you don't know where you are going, then you won't know whether you get there. Paul was essentially saying, "My purpose in life is to know Him. Yes, there are other things that I do, but my primary purpose is to intimately, deeply, and personally know God."
Our primary purpose in life is to know God more each day. I once had an interview for a job. The interview panel asked me what my professional goals were, which is a typical interview question. Afterwards, one of the panel members said now that they had heard my professional goals, they wanted to hear my personal goals, what did I see as my purpose. Interesting question. I responded by telling them that my purpose in life is to love God with all my heart, all my mind, and all my soul. And to love my wife unconditionally as Christ loved me. I shared with the interview panel that if I keep these two purposes foremost in my life, all my other goals would simply fall into place.
So, I encourage you to make your primary purpose in life to love God with all your heart, all your mind and all your soul. Then your purpose in life will have absolute clarity.
So, is that your purpose in life right now?
