Without Purpose

“Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.” Ezra 10:4 ESV

“Without a purpose, life is motion without meaning, activity without direction and events without reason. Without a purpose, life is trivial, petty, and pointless.” Rick Warren

Get up.

Show up.

Never give up.

And that doesn’t mean you won’t stumble. As long as you get up, show up, you won’t give up. Wisdom may shout from the streets, but she is a demanding instructor.

We know what Jesus’ purpose was and is. Everything he said, did and prayed was for us. Love.

Now we must find our purpose.

Barnabas was called the Encourager. He brought many to the Christian faith. He worked with Paul and brought many Gentiles into the faith until… They parted ways because of the disagreement about John Mark. Paul did not want John Mark because he had failed him. Barnabas did want him, so he took John Mark on his expedition. He discipled John Mark who grew into a mature and effective Christian. Paul sent for John Mark in his later ministry because of this, calling John Mark useful. All things worked together for good. Purpose. They both aimed to bring many into the Christian faith, though they were very different in style and manner. However imperfectly, they loved God and learned to love others.

We start with the Great Commandment: “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Then what?

That’s where passion comes into play, though it isn’t everything. We’ll get bored, discouraged and scared.

Talent? Yes, but it’s not everything.

Knowledge? Yes, but it can puff up. So can generosity.

If we love the Father and put our trust in Him, these things will become clearer.

So we get up, show up and never give up. True faith.

No one has a purpose in a vacuum. Others can point out our strengths, support and positive criticism, which is why a Christian family is so important. Prayer, of course, but bumps, entanglements and setbacks will occur. So, don’t give up!

Musings

It hurts sometimes to Get Up. Show Up. Never Give up.  It also requires a huge dose of humility, faith and patience–doesn’t every worthwhile challenge? The three questions: Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it kind? Is important too. We risk because there’s no other way. We will blow it. If our purpose is love, we’ll make a huge difference no matter the mistakes—the Bible is filled with imperfect people who had a purpose. Our Father will make it good according to His purpose.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for encouraging us every day to get up, show up and never give up. You’ve promised to be with us always, which empowers our faith daily. The little, everyday triumphs give us direction and purpose—Your purpose. It’s amazing when truly seeing how far we’ve come and how much has been accomplished!

With gratitude…

Amen.