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  A Clear Purpose
Article by Tom Gilbert — © March, 2008

When I read the Gospels I am often struck by how convinced Jesus was of his purpose and his mission. He spoke about it with an authority that impressed many people. I don’t think he came across as smug, arrogant or egotistical. Rather, he had an inner authority. He was sure about his job to both reveal what God is all about and that he was sent by God, his Father, to redeem our broken relationship.

The way Jesus lived is the perfect model for us. We are humans filled with strong wills and it is difficult for just about anyone to accept that they cannot live life successfully on their own power. We have to receive the power, the grace, of a loving God to deal with life and especially other people. This has been my experience. And even learning this lesson I still find that I often try to control life, to get things to go the way I want. What is this but playing God?

Now Jesus, we Christians believe, is God in human form. Yet, as Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5-7, he didn’t consider this something to be grasped. Rather he emptied himself and took on the nature of a servant in human form. He didn’t go around “playing God” although he did many things that revealed God’s power. Jesus came not only to redeem, but to serve.

He Was Interesting

Over the course of his public ministry many people became interested in Jesus. Some followed him because of the miracles he performed. Others, mostly the religious authorities, wanted to see if they could trip him up. And some felt called to follow him because they perceived that he was sent by God. They may not have been sure if he was the Messiah, but they believed he was a prophet of God, a good and holy man.

The amazing thing about Jesus and his inner authority is how he was both self assured yet humble. Jesus Christ has given us some powerful truths. His teachings are radical and profound. The core of his message is love and forgiveness.

Going Deeper

I made a conscious decision the past couple of months to go deeper in my own spiritual journey and it has been frankly uncomfortable. I’ve discovered over and over again how incapable I am of living up to Jesus’ commandments with my own weak nature. It is one thing to know this in my head, but having this realization in my heart has been difficult. But, I know that the grace God gives us keeps me striving to follow the Lord’s commandments.

The spiritual journey is a life long endeavor. Many spiritual pilgrims have shared their challenges. In your journey you may feel blessed and lifted up. And you may feel lost and alone. The scenery changes. It’s like going down a river that has dangerous and churning rapids as well as serene pools of calm water. Throughout the journey I must go with the flow. If I try to turn around and go against the current I’ll fail. Sometimes I attempt it, convinced it is the right direction. After I tire of the effort of self will and once again surrender I usually get a little clarity. I recognize that I am once again trying to run my life. It can be really scary to let go, but we must have faith that Jesus leads us in the right direction.

Jesus draw me close

Find Your Purpose

You can find your purpose in life by following Jesus Christ. His words give us eternal life (John 5:24). They do if we embrace them and do what he teaches us. The commandment to always love, no matter how we are treated, is difficult. But how can you argue with perfect love? You are never wrong when you love. Jesus loved despite the rejection from those who hated him, and even for a while, by some who loved and followed him. His passion and death were brutal, but he didn’t give in to resignation, anger or hate. He took it all upon himself and he loved through it all. He transformed through his death the sin of the world. And he rose from the dead, and the great Easter promise is that death has been conquered by him and he promises us eternal life if we believe in him and accept his command to love others like he loves us.

I invite you to read and study the gospels yourself. See how clear Jesus was about his purpose. Follow him and discover the promise of love. It won’t be easy, but he gives us the help and the strength we need with the Helper (the Holy Spirit) so that we can become like him and in union with him.

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Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of International Bible Society. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of International Bible Society.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189, USA. All rights reserved.

The Cross by Arthur Blessitt, Christian Book resource
38,102 Miles, 38 years, 1 Mission - The Cross
by Arthur Blessitt

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PSALM 16:7-9

"I will praise the LORD , who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure."
(NIV)
 
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