Finding Purpose

Often we find ourselves pushed to give up or do something different with our lives because we lose focus. Understandably our focus can shift to our own needs, our own feelings of hurt, or inadequacies, scarcity, or feelings of not being appreciated. We have what one book calls “mission drift.”

I know I need to be reminded:

“We preach Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:23).

We should be “determined to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). 

We “have become all things for all men, that we might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). 

“Nevertheless, the Gospel is preached” (Philippians 1:18).

Souls are our “hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing” at the Lord’s appearing (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).

We “plant,” we “water,” but God gives the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

The things that have happened to us have fallen out for the furtherance of the Gospel (Philippians 1:12). 

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20, ESV). 

“We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ” (Colossians 1:28, NASV). 

When our work here is all rolled up it does seem the fulfillment of it all is souls presented to the Lord. Want to feel more appreciated, help a soul find the Lord (Philemon 1:19). Want to feel more useful, plant the Seed (Luke 8). Want to have more of an effect on others, participate with God in taking an individual out of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Want to know “what to do?” Focus on brining “back a sinner from his wandering” and thereby you “will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:20). 

There is purpose to our work and our lives, that purpose is to proclaim the glorious Gospel of our God to others. I suppose because of the influence of our dad, I’ve always called it “personal evangelism.” Feeling low, find a soul, and loving lead that soul to the Savior. It is not simple, but nothing will help you find greater strength to go forward boldly and joyfully in your work.