“For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep…” (Acts 13:36 NIV). What a glorious way to sum up one’s life! Served God’s purpose! We have all been at funerals and visited cemeteries. But there are very few of whom it can be confidently said, “This one served God’s purpose and fell asleep”.
Is it your endeavour to serve God’s purpose in your generation? Is it your desire to fight the good fight, finish the race and keep the faith? Then there are five basic truths you need to build your life upon.
1. A healthy self-image (John 13:3-4). A person who is full of a sense of uselessness and unworthiness will never be able to rise up and accomplish anything of significant value. In fact, such a person will always be wallowing in self-pity and looking for others to serve and make him. What is the picture you have concerning yourself? The worldly standards often seem to be beauty, performance and achievements. You must learn to see yourself as God sees you – nothing more, nothing less. There are three basic declarations God makes concerning each one of us: that we are ‘lovable’, ‘valuable’ and ‘reliable’! By giving up Jesus to die for our sins so that we would not perish but have eternal life and by choosing us to be His children, He demonstrated that we are truly lovable (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10; Malachi 1:2). By being willing to redeem us at any cost, even the precious blood of Jesus Christ, He has shown us that we are truly valuable (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-19). By entrusting us with the most sacred and vital responsibilities such as being the salt of the earth, lights of the world, witnesses of Jesus Christ, and ambassadors of Christ on earth, etc. He has clearly spoken and plainly assured us that we are truly reliable (Matthew 5:13-14; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:20). Still more, a whole new identity emerges when we believe in Christ. Now each one of us becomes a child of God (John 1:12), a friend of Christ (John 15:15), a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16), more than a conqueror (Romans 8:36), a saint (Ephesians 1:1), a member of Christ’s body- the church (Ephesians 1:7), and much, much more! When we see ourselves as God sees us and accept ourselves as who we are in Christ, we will not need titles, degrees, positions, or possessions to make us feel good and important.
2. A clear goal (Philippians 3:12-14). It is impossible to accomplish anything if we do not aim at anything! It is having a clear understanding of God’s purpose for our lives that motivates us and stirs us to action. It is the destination that gives us the desire and the drive to move on from where we presently are. Jesus was able to bring glory to His Father because He knew exactly what He was required to do (Luke 4:17-21). Paul was able to fight the good fight and run his race victoriously because he had an aim, a clear goal or purpose from Heaven for his life (Acts 26:19; 1 Corinthians 9:26). Many people seem confused because they do not know how to discern God’s specific will for their lives. It really is not a matter to be complicated or confused about for when we walk wholeheartedly with the Lord, we will know what is in His heart concerning us (Psalm 25:9, 12, 14). The Scriptures are very clear concerning what God requires us to do ‘generally’ as Christians. When we obey God faithfully in these matters, what is expected of us ‘specifically’ as individuals will also become clear to us. When we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways, He will make all our paths straight (Proverbs 3:6). And even further, the gifts, abilities, desires, and burden within us all serve to confirm the purpose for which God has created us.
3. A confident spirit (Deuteronomy 31:7-8; Joshua 6:1-9; 2 Timothy 4:18). A person who is wholly committed to serving God’s purpose will undoubtedly face innumerable trials and temptations (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12). There will be many challenges and obstacles along the way. This is why we must be confident in the Lord and strong in spirit. God told Joshua several times that he needed to be confident in order to complete the possession of the Promised Land. David’s confidence in his God caused him to face Goliath and slay him. Even when King Saul tried to dissuade him and Goliath played mind games with him, this young boy was confident in the Lord and in what he could do through Him (1 Samuel 17:33-37, 43-47). We need to be aware of what we cannot do and what we can do! On one hand, we can do nothing in ourselves (John 15:5). But on the other, we can do all things (that we are called to do) through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). King Jehoshaphat, prior to an unbelievable victory in the toughest of battles, summed it up well, “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, BUT our eyes are upon You” (2 Chronicles 20:12). It is as we wait upon the Lord regularly and meditate on His Word constantly that we will be empowered in our inner man to be more than conquerors in daily life (Psalm 27:4-6; 119:11; Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 26:41; 1 Corinthians 14:4; Ephesians 3:16-21).
4. A wise association (Proverbs 13:20; 23:19-21). We can never make it on our own! This is why the moment we are included in Christ, we are also placed into the body of Christ, which is the church (Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 12:13). We need the advice and wise counsel of other committed believers (Acts 18:24-26). We need the prayers of other believers (Romans 15:30). We need the encouragement of other disciples (Acts 9:26-28; Hebrews 3:13). It is when we work together with others that we will see total success and fruitfulness in our own lives and congregations. The early church witnessed the glory of the Lord in such abundant measure because they were one in heart and mind (Acts 4:32-33).
5. A regular evaluation (2 Corinthians 13:5; Revelation 2:5). It is vital for us to examine ourselves regularly. In this long journey, there is every tendency to get distracted and side-tracked as we move on. There are five key areas we need to always evaluate: our relationship with God, relationship with people, growth in character, quality of serving, and fervency in sharing the Gospel. We should examine our progress and keep a record of the vital life lessons we know we should never ever forget. God told Moses to keep a written record of the entire journey from Egypt (Numbers 33:2). Joshua was among those Old Testament saints who had memorials erected so that the nation of Israel would not forget the precious works God had wrought for them (Joshua 4:20-24). A fresh renewal of our commitment to do God’s will and a daily dependence upon the Spirit of God will cause us to triumph and reign victorious till the very end.
Author: Mr. J. Varadaraj is a disciple of Christ, leading a prayer movement based in Bangalore. His mission is ‘Encouraging Divine Connections’.
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