the secret to life

Purpose is defined as the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc. Since everything had to be made and/or created at one point, it’s understood that everything has to have a purpose. So why was I created? Why were you created?

The LORD has made everything for his own purpose…
(Proverbs 16:4; God’s Word translation)

Now I don’t know about you, but that sounds a lot smarter than one thing evolving from another. If evolution did exist, why does purpose exist? That’s a different topic, but it’s something to think about.

Growing up in the church, I have to admit I was blind to “purpose” until maturing and it wasn’t until I began attending youth ministry (teens, yanno.. what comes after children’s church), before it became as serious as it was supposed to be to me.

I remember the exact time it hit me too. It was the first time I realized I didn’t know what my purpose was. I was sitting in the sanctuary (either before or after the service) and my youth leader Deacon Daniel, who was sitting next to me, looked over and asked me, “C.j., do you know what your purpose in life is?” (Well… so maybe I don’t remember every exact detail… but it sounded a lot like that. You get the point!) I really didn’t at the time, and I didn’t want to seem like I was worthless, so I began spilling what I thought and wanted my purpose to be. I easily said I wanted to preach God’s Word through rap – although, I knew in my heart it wasn’t a great talent of mine. I continued to spill what I thought God had planned for me instead of what I should’ve felt in my heart was for me. At the time I didn’t even know what purpose was – let alone my personal purpose. So – if you’re still lost to why you’re here on this earth ( your personal purpose) – lets review why God put us here.

The one who had gone down also went up above all the heavens so that he fills everything. He also gave apostles, prophets, missionaries, as well as pastors and teachers as gifts to his church. Their purpose is to prepare God's people, to serve, and to build up the body of Christ. This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God's Son, until we become mature, until we measure up to Christ, who is the standard.
(Ephesians 4:10-13; God’s Word translation)

So we’re not only here to prepare God’s people… but to serve and build up the body of Christ as well. Imagine this for a moment: “You are the only person on earth.” Scary thought, eh? I don’t know if you’ve seen the movie I Am Legend (starring Will Smith) but long story short, Will’s character was alone in a big city, and to cure his loneliness he placed mannequins (those stiff model things in clothing stores that wear the clothes better than you do..) all around the city, in different places and stores, and talked to them as if they were normal people. Yes people, loneliness can drive you crazy.

This movie is a superb example of the affects of loneliness. But what I’m getting at… is even God gets lonely. He put us here on this earth for the same purpose Will’s character placed the mannequins around the city. God’s purpose however, was more divine - obviously because we can move, talk, and think. But he gave us this free will because it makes him proud when we turn to him. When sin came into the world, we were put to the ultimate test. It’s now a challenge to serve God and live for Him (Thanks a lot Satan!). And it’s so much easier to fail than win. But you’re stronger when you do choose to win and choose not to give up. This makes God a proud creator, and this is pleasing to him. A lot more pleasing than a lifeless mannequin! And because there is so much sin in the world, we as strong Christian’s are responsible for helping our brothers and sisters of this earth stay on the right path, as well as lead them to this path. We do this by becoming ministers, pastors, teachers, and missionaries. And the best part about this is, within this purpose, we all are put here to reach out to different people. Our individual gifts will reach out to different people, because not everyone learns the same way. I assure you, that if you weren’t special my friend… You wouldn’t be alive today. So don’t hesitate think about and find out what your purpose is. Talk to God about it, search deep inside yourself, and stay in the word. God talks to me the most when I’m reading the Bible, or in church. So seek God in these places and he may turn up for you as well.

I’ll tell you, the only thing I fear about death is not fulfilling my purpose before my time on this earth is over. I pray God keep me here long enough for me to fulfill it, but I realize tomorrow is not promised. So do what you can, whenever you can, to work towards your purpose. My ultimate goal in life, is to hear “Well done my good and faithful servant,” after I enter the gates of heaven. Yours should be the same!

Be blessed, be a blessing, and stay blessed!
C.J.