Have you ever heard this statement? There’s no such thing as purpose?
If you scour the Internet, you’ll find plenty of people who believe just that.
Their premise is that if you know your purpose in life and you achieve it, then there will be nothing left to live for; therefore, there is no such thing as purpose.
They’ll even give you a little pop psychology as to why this is a helpful belief system.
Listen to this quote.
It is ok to live clueless. This will keep fueling your curiosity to live and explore more. ~Ankoor Anvekar
As humans we don’t know how the complete timeline of our life will play out; however, we’re not totally clueless. We know that everything under the sun has purpose. And just because we may not know the purpose of a thing doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have one.
For a long time, it was thought that the appendix in the body had NO purpose. More recently, researchers have reportedly discovered that this “useless” organ may provide a safe haven for good bacteria in the gut. Now, is that its actual purpose or the only purpose, I don’t know, but my point is this…
It’s difficult to understand and Infinite God with a finite mind.
While others are still trying to figure out whether we have purpose or not, as Believers, we know that in Proverbs 16:4a ESV the Word says – The LORD has made everything for its purpose…
We’re clear on that.
But what’s troubling is that most believer’s purpose has been perverted because of situations we may have put ourselves into knowingly or unknowingly.
When I asked God why this happens, I heard one word—Slavery!
Of course, I know that slavery is not dead, it still occurs today. In 2016, the Global Slavery Index defined slavery as “situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, abuse of power or deception”.
Many of us know about… human trafficking, children forced into armed forces, people working for low wages in factories and fields, and so on.
Today, I want to focus on slavery regarding the typical person.
The first type of slavery is a…
Modern-day slavery – could in fact be our JOB. I know we need to work, but is your job a part of your purpose. Are you there because of God or did you do that yourself? There are times that we are out of the will of God in our work.
The second type is…
Mental slavery –slave to self, slave to people’s opinions, slave to traditions of men, slave to people trying to “keep us or put us in our place,” basically a slave to sin. All of this moves us away from God versus toward God and our purpose.
So, as a Christian you may not drink, smoke, or break the first few commandments, but…
John 8:34 ESV tells us, Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.
Now let me ask you…
If I told you that there was 10 Million dollars in your backyard, what would you do?
Right, you’d start DIGGING!
In 2013, a couple was walking their dog on their rural Northern California property when they discovered an unusual scene. An old can was hanging from a tree along with a can partially buried below it. When they dug out the site below the tree, they found a treasure trove of historic coins that were eventually sold for more than 10 million dollars.
Many of us would do the work to find the GOLD but won’t DIG to find something far MORE VALUABLE.
Psalm 19:7-11 BSB
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.
We have to do the “WORK!” The work He called us to do.
The truth is many of us put ourselves where we are today, not God. God called us in a direction, and we had lots of excuses why we COULDN’T go that way. Now, we’re comfortable and can’t seem to find our way back.
In the Bible, there’s a story of the prodigal son. Here’s a little background
The younger of two sons asks his father for his inheritance, goes away, and then squanders it with reckless living. With nothing left of his fortune, he is forced to work as a hired hand for a pig farmer. When he finds himself eating the pig food, this is what happened…
Luke 15:17-20 ESV “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Here’s the good NEWS…
As a loving Father, God makes it easy for us to come to Him. If that’s you and you know you’re off track OR you’re on the right track but you’ve slowed down, simply tell God you’re sorry and ask for instructions.
But it’s too late! No, it isn’t! Just like the Father in the story of the prodigal son, God is waiting to restore you to your place in the Family.
No such thing as purpose! Of course, there is and that’s the Point of Purpose.
See you next time!
Please subscribe to my channel. Thank you! https://bit.ly/youtubepointsofpurposewithanita