St. John's

Recently I was at a gym sweating it out on a treadmill.  We have some great options in town and I love where I get to work out, wish I could be there every day.  So, after running and rocking out with some tunes, I went to the watering hole and saw a post on the wall - look at the picture.  As I read through "Purpose", I was struck by how the post used God in a way that gave me all of the control.  Let me tell you what I mean...

"By following my potential and my passion, I fulfill my divine purpose..."  so begins the inspirational "Christian" note in the picture (read the full statement below).  Sounds like it's all about me defining my purpose. Do I really get to decide my divine purpose?  Purpose in life or goal in life, it's all the same thing.  So this might sound familiar if you were around St. John's for our recent sermon series "Help! For the Hurried Life" based on the book of Philippians.  Paul describes himself as a "slave" of Christ Jesus.  As a slave, Paul is completely defined by Jesus.  Jesus is his purpose.  Being a slave to Jesus sets my purpose in faith also.  I am here to do what Jesus would have me do.  I am who I am based on Jesus.  Jesus gives meaning to life for me. 

So we have a conflict.  If Jesus is my purpose or goal then why would I ever "turn within and see what lights my inner flame" (quoting the statement again).  But that is my natural desire - do what I want and what feels good to me.  It is all self-defined.  Tempted to join in, anyone?  This isn't divine it is completely human.  It is me setting my own purpose and changing whenever I feel like it.  So what if God created me, he's not in charge, I am.  And here comes the problem.  When I am in charge, things get messed up.  

But I don't have to be in charge.  Jesus came to save me, to give me life in him.  Approaching life as a slave of Jesus orients everthing correctly.  Jesus is king and has died to save me from sin, death, and the world.  This is just a smart sounding way to say that Jesus saves me from me!  With Jesus as my king, then I can see all of life as a gift from God and my divine purpose is set by God.  I am free to be the best spouse I can; be the best parent I can; be the best pastor I can; be the best neighbor I can; be the best total stranger who helps someone in need.  I'm even free to admit I don't know what I am doing and life is hard.  These are all God-given purposes in life for me now.  Your life is the same way. 

Defining my own purposes is a lot of pressure.  Why not let God define your purpose and just get busy enjoying the purpose God has given you.  Enjoy all of the freedom, success, and failure.  It's life, the Christian life in Jesus Christ.  See how this compares to the statement on the wall (see below).

"Purpose" - from the picture

"By following my potential and my passion, I fulfill my divine purpose.  Today I ask myself, Am I doing what I love?  If the answer is no, perhaps it is time to reevaluate why I am pursuing something that may be out of alignment with my heart's desires.  To discover my divine purpose, I turn within and see what lights my inner flame.  As I consider different options, I feel an immediate surge of energy, creativity and excitement as I connect with my purpose and discover my true calling.  Perhaps I am hesitant to proceed for some reason.  If this is the case, I take the matter directly to God in prayer.  There is a way for me to follow my passion and fulfill my potential.  The perfect path awaits if I have the courage to believe."