To Glorify and Serve
There is often a lot made about our purpose or God’s purpose for our lives. It’s a question that comes up a lot for people, religious or not, found or lost: what is my purpose? The answer to this question has a profound effect on our lives. If our purpose has to do with us, then when life goes bad or wrong, it can shake the very foundation of our lives. But if our purpose isn’t about us, if we aren’t the focus of our own lives, then circumstances don’t matter.
“I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
Paul knew the secret to being content in any circumstance and that was that Christ is everything—He is our strength. Paul understood what his purpose was and so circumstances had no effect on him. Paul’s specific purpose was to be the messenger to the Gentiles, to bring the message of Christ to those who were not Jewish. But Paul’s broad purpose is the same as everyone’s:
“‘Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’” (Isaiah 43:7)
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
“‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’” (Matthew 5:16)
“For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)
“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:12)
“Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24)
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)
Our purpose is to serve God and glorify Him. When we realize that and live that out, circumstances don’t matter. This purpose has nothing to do with our wants or happiness or pleasures. It has nothing to do with fame or money or possessions. This life is not about us—it’s about God. We, even Christians, tend to make life about ourselves and our happiness. We aim to acquire more wealth or possessions, but we only do so because we lose sight of our purpose. When we live in our purpose of serving God and glorifying Him, we can be content in all circumstances. Live your purpose. Serve God. May your life glorify Him.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
