A Brief Note of Encouragement
We live in a world that offers a lot of advice on the topic of ‘how to live your life on purpose.’ Advice will tell you to follow your dreams, pursue your passions, and live how you want to live-- according to your morals and beliefs. While there is nothing wrong with having aspirations or things you wish to accomplish, when your only purpose in life is to do what you want to do and live how you want to live, you're missing the boat-- especially as a Christian. The following has nothing to do with living for yourself, as I don't believe that is what God calls His children to do.
The excerpt I'm sharing below is from an old journal entry from 5/21/2007. Unbeknownst to me, those many years ago, God was preparing me to not only think about how to live my life on purpose but also how to encourage others to live on purpose. I guess you could say that this blog had its conception way back then. Originally, I wrote these words as if speaking to myself; but today, I speak them to you.
Live for the Lord on purpose.
His glory should be reflected in your face, your words, and your actions. Each day, everything you do should reflect Christ’s character. Once you’ve accepted Christ and put your complete trust and faith in Him, you are being transformed into His image, from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). It is up to you to show this to others– not for recognition or a pat on the back, but because it gives glory to God.
What is your purpose in life?
To glorify God.
God is the only one you should be concerned with pleasing. Does this mean that you should purposefully disappoint others, or not care if you accidentally do? Not at all. But God’s ways are higher than man’s ways, and you can’t live life solely focused on what others think.
Why?
Because others have their faces veiled if they are not in Christ; they will not see you or the things of the Lord clearly. Fifty percent of the time they will question the things you do, and the rest of the time they may criticize you. The veil keeps them from obtaining true understanding. But-- you have a clear vision, and by leading them to Christ, their veil will be lifted. Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:15-17).
Your life should reflect the Lord, what He has already done, and what He continues to do every day. Regardless of what others do or say, this will leave a trace of hope in their lives.
don’t hide the Lord’s work in your life
Live out God’s Word. Don’t shy away from His instruction during your interactions with others. Your life may be the only “version” of the Bible they've ever read up to that point. Be Christ-like in all you do. This will glorify God.
When you choose to hide the Lord’s work in your life, you are being selfish and seeking to stay comfortable. I know; I’ve been there. I can clearly remember times when I didn't speak up to defend the Lord or give Him the glory for something He’d done in my life. However, in doing this, you seek to only receive glory for yourself because it gives off the false impression that all you have and all you’ve been through has been made possible by you.
It’s that age-old battle of “In you alone vs. In Christ alone.”
show less of yourself
Do you have spiritual gifts? (Say yes!) Don’t waste them by keeping them to yourself. If you’re not sure what they are, pray. If you’re not sure how to use them, pray.
Display who you are in Christ so He can be glorified in you. Show others less of yourself and more of Christ.
Less your way. More YAHWEH.
seek the lord
Above all else, SEEK HIM. Seek His Word, His truth, and all that He is. Purpose to know Him. The more you know the Lord, the more you'll yearn to please Him, and not yourself. In pleasing God, you will see just how pleasing He is to you.
The Christian’s purpose in life is to glorify God, enjoy Him, and promote His plans. Sister, today I beseech you to live your life on purpose.
Original journal entry written by Shanna Ream in 2007, with a few additional notes added in 2021.
