We've discussed the purpose of our churches on this board from time to time. Today I'd like to focus on our personal purpose. Why am I here? Why was I born? Some have said this question is unanswerable, but I think I found the answer as I was reading in Philippians last night. The terminology Paul uses lets us know that all other purposes pale in comparison to this one.

In vs 7-11 he writes, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righeousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow to attain the resurrection from the dead."

In vs 13 Paul says "One thing I do", and goes on to explain how he strains toward the prize.

Did you notice the words Paul used? "One thing I do", by comparison everything else is a loss, it's rubbish, he's given up all things for this one.

What's his goal? The surpassing greatness of knowing Christ, of being identified with Him in every way including His suffering so that we might gain His righteousness and be resurrected. It's rare that you hear such focus. How many of us are so focused? Where is our focus?

Our focus may be on something noble. Family, work, building up the church, our ministry, service to others, all of these are great. But Paul tells us that even the finest things pale in comparison to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. He casts off every earthly concern in his goal of knowing Him and being made into His likeness.

If we were to do as Paul did, wouldn't our other noble concerns fall in line? Wouldn't you be a better parent, a better worker, leader, minster, or whatever God has called you to do? If you found yourself in conflict, wouldn't God spring to your defense? You'd be more likely to be on the right side. Wouldn't you be less likely to worry about food, clothing, and shelter? You'd have a peace in knowing it's all on its way.

If you focus on the surpassing greatness of knowing Him, the important things will fall into place at the hand of God, and the unimportant things will fall away one by one as unnecessary clutter.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2002

Answers

God is more than truely amazing. He always provide the right answers to the questions we ask of him. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you. I had been questioning God as to wheter or not I should be doing other things the course of my duties as a full time minister. Only to keep hearing keep still. Now I know the reason.

-- Anonymous, April 16, 2002