Have you ever wondered why God gives us His purpose? There are those that blatantly deny God’s specific purposes to His children. Setting such people aside and having considered the love and faithfulness of God toward us who believe, we ought to be the people that are always with the vision of His purpose to us. I believe many believers become lackadaisical toward His purpose to them, since they either do not understand its intent or do not feel compelled to retain it. This is one of the reasons they do not find themselves being blessed by God as they hoped. Being lackadaisical is akin to disobedience. It is leaving God out of our lives. The reason He gives us His purpose is to constantly involve Him in our lives. There are fantastic benefits to keeping His purpose, but they only appear when we realize and work for the true intent of it. And it has a primary, specific and the most important function. We see it in the words of the apostle Paul. “Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness” (Tit. 1:1).
Paul’s words in the Spirit reveal that function through two factors; they give successful life to every believer. God gave him a purpose for those factors. By them he lived the life God wanted from him. They are
- For the faith of those chosen of God and
- For the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness
Every believer has a purpose from God (or, must have it) so that through them God accomplishes the two factors. What we understand by this is that we are not called for our sake alone. God has a bigger plan through us. We are called for a larger work. Some of us may not have realized it until now, but it is what God desires. He not only dislikes wasting the precious life He gave us, but further intends to make it more than it has ever been. In other words, He makes us more productive than we have ever envisioned. In doing so, His power is revealed to men and He becomes known as the Almighty Lord. Are we ready for such a journey? It is up to us to make the choice. He gives us a purpose and waits for our response. How is it going to be?
Firstly, through the purpose God gave us we ought to build our faith in the Lord. Then, our faith will be equipped by Him to carry out the two factors. He always seeks greater benefit through us. So, we are not created new just for our sake, but much more for God’s kingdom. Our lives are to be an encouragement, a support and guidance to our fellow brethren. Through us they must find God more accessible. Then, the body too will function in unity having a hope fixed on the Lord. The second major use God has with us is for the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness. It is a serious work in faith and one that calls for a deeper relationship with God. For a deeper relationship with Him alone is the way for the pure form of godliness. Godliness is the heart and soul for the knowledge of the truth. Or else, how can one know why God intended the Scripture? His views, ways, feelings, judgments and thoughts are understood only in godliness, which emits the knowledge of the truth through our deeds and speech. Paul had become a man of deeds and speech in the Spirit before he began to accomplish the two factors. He came to know that those factors were the reason behind God choosing him. How thoughtful of God to make us deserving of them! And, the knowledge of the truth when accompanied by godliness is powerful. It greatly strengthens us to stand up for God’s values; we do not flinch or bend to accommodate a work or teaching that is not of faith; we directly or indirectly take part in the proclamation of the gospel.
Consider from the following to understand how perfectly God assigns His purpose to us. “Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, ‘Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it’” (Rev. 11:1). His purpose to us, in accordance with His desire, is like a measuring rod. His assigning it is impeccable so that He can tell us exactly what we are to do with it. It is given with a particular view. When we keenly listen to His Word, His Spirit performs the work of equipping us with His intent. Just as John saw his purpose to be specific in nature, so also we perceive ours. It is only at this time we find the joy, peace and comfort of the Lord abiding in us. No matter the kind of situation we are facing, we feel confident that the end will be sweeter. Indeed, God also takes the opportunity to bless us and regard the desires of our heart. So, let us have faith in God, but with the full understanding of the intent of His purpose to us. And, here is the reason for it.
- Heaven and its rewards are made ready for us. “Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel” (Col. 1:5). We have something phenomenal to look forward to.
Paul was aware of the above. It is the inherent wisdom of the free gift of God in the form of salvation. It is realized by the renewing work of the Spirit. So, he took to his heart the purpose God gave him and was resolved to obey His Word. The Spirit worked to equip him with everything needed for carrying out his purpose. And Luke said, “When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them” (Acts 16:10). Paul never missed God’s intent in his purpose. It was because he established his faith in the Lord with a view to be led by Him. The result was exceptional godliness in him. And, God never missed an opportunity through him. So, have you made the choice, willing to take the journey? If so, here is what you have.
- You are Christ’s wish. You can only imagine its expanse. For Jesus said, “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes” (John 5:21).
- You are never alone. You are being watched over. There is no panic or anxiety that can conquer you. Your safety is preplanned. “Then He got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished” (Mark 6:51).
- You can only become God’s vessel for His glory. You become a part of His work that fulfills His Word. “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Hab. 2:14).