Purpose

This past September, I purchased a new lawn mower. My old one I had owned for fourteen years. I replaced parts and repaired it until doing so did not make sense any longer, from a cost perspective. My new mower was a shiny red one. I hesitated to use it the first time because I knew it would never be the same. The Lord spoke to me and revealed that the purpose of a lawn mower is not to set in a store or warehouse or even my garage and look pretty. It’s purpose is to cut grass, and cutting grass means it will get dusty, covered with grass and experience wear and tear.

What do you think about when you consider your purpose?

As believers, God has called us to make disciples. Read Matthew 28:19. We are to share Him and His love to everyone with whom we come in contact. We must be willing to roll up our sleeves and get dirty sharing the gospel with others who do not know it. This looks different for different people. It may mean going overseas to a poverty stricken land to help those in need. But it may also mean serving the wealthy residents in your neighborhood.

In addition, we are called to love. Scripture tells us to love God with our whole being and then to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Read Luke 10:27. God loved us first. And, He loved us so much that He sent His Son. Read John 3:16. Because of this great love, we are to show and share His love with those we encounter on a daily basis.

Beyond these purposes we all have in common, God has given each of us specific purpose. As we begin a new year, what is your purpose? What is God calling you to in 2017?

Pray and seek God for what it is He wants for you in this season of your life. And, then be willing to do whatever it is He reveals. Thank Him for His faithfulness in the past and trust Him with your future.

“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me. Lord, Your love is eternal; do not abandon the work of Your hands.”  Psalm 138:8