Walking in Purpose Series
We often ask ourselves if we are in the will of God. Romans 12:2 states “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” This message is for Christians and Christian-minded people because how can one know one’s true purpose without knowing God?
We can look at God as having a general will for mankind or as having a specific will for us. We may also view Him as having His will hidden or as having a revealed will. In addition, we may view Him as having a decretive will this is where God decrees a thing that will definitely come to pass. For example, in Genesis 22:15-18, God makes a decree to Abraham after he seeks to obey His command to sacrifice his son. Because of Abraham’s obedience, God promises him that he will have many descendants and this declaration does indeed come to pass. So what God has declared, no one on earth or in heaven can stop.
There is also God’s perceptive will where He gives laws to us as guidance for moral living e.g. The Commandments in Exodus 20. There is also the dispositional will of God where there is something that He does not enjoy doing, but He has to do it because of who He is. Even though God loves us, it does not mean that we can do as we like before Him. Ezekiel.33:11-“Say to them as surely as I live declares the sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” However, this does not stop Him from executing judgment on the wicked. This is God’s dispositional will.
There are so many things that we can do and we ask ourselves if we are doing what God has asked us to do. This is especially so among the youth when deciding their next step concerning their school or career. Parents have a big influence in the decision-making of their children. This is why it is important to practice godly parenting. Be careful and prayerful in guiding your children.
In our late 40s and early 50s, we ask ourselves what have we done with our lives. We question ourselves: “How does God’s will factor in my purpose? What is it that God wants me to do?” Matthew 22:37-40 states “Love the Lord God with all your heart and love your neighbour as yourself.” John 14:15 illustrates this type of love that Jesus speaks of. Indeed, this scripture verse states: “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”
How do I bring this love into my own life?
God created each of us with specific gifts and talents to guide us to our individual purpose. There is a purpose for the body of Christ, but each of us has our own role to play.
The oldest occupation in the world is that of a farmer. Adam was the first farmer as God told him to till the land long before Adam and Eve sinned. When David was in the field tending his father’s sheep, he was fulfilling purpose even as a shepherd boy. For God saw how well he was shepherding sheep and called him to shepherd His own. Once you are serving God in your job, you are fulfilling purpose; so our attitudes to our job and ministry are important. It does not matter who your boss is; you have a right to respect him/ her and to do your job to the best of your ability. As Colossians 3:22-24 states “For you are in fact serving God.”
It is possible for us to be doing good things and still not be in the will of God. Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven. . .” Matthew 7:15-20 speaks of watching out for sheep in wolves clothing and for false prophets.
Once what you are doing is out of love and brings glory to God’s kingdom, then you are fulfilling purpose. Purpose is bigger than your pay cheque. Your purpose is locked into the eternal.
