Articles
Live to Purpose
It was springtime, when kings go off to war, but King David was playing hooky. While his men were off fighting, he was lounging around at the palace, not leading his men in battle as he should have been. One evening, as David was strolling around on his rooftop, he caught sight of Bathsheba bathing (2Sa 11:1,2), and David fell into temptation. From there, he made a series of decisions that would lead him to commit adultery and murder (2Sa 11:3-14). The consequences of David’s poor choices followed him the rest of his life (2Sam 12:10).
This tragic phase of David’s life began when he failed to stay focused on his mission as king. Anyone who loses focus on his or her mission and purpose is in danger.
Of all the people who have ever lived, only Jesus never made a bad decision. Jesus alone never sinned. How did Jesus achieve a sinless life? We could suggest many possible answers to this question. We do know, however, that Jesus lived a steadfastly purposeful life.
Jesus knew his purpose, and he could state it. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luk 19:10)
Jesus never veered from or lost sight of his purpose. “Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." So the disciples said to one another, "Has anyone brought him something to eat?" Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” (Joh 4:31-34)
If you want to live successfully, you must know your purpose and be faithful to it. You’re here to build right relationships with God and people (Mat 22:37-40), and to help others build those same right relationships (Mat 28:18-20). How do you accomplish those purposes? By obeying God’s commandments (1Jo 5:2,3).
Be a true success. Stay faithful to your God-given purpose until death. Then, receive a crown of life (Rev 2:10). -Paul
