Christian Living
My recent blog post What Is My Purpose In Life? provides some lead to identifying one’s purpose in life. One of the important points made in that article is that God had a purpose in mind before creating anyone (Jeremiah 1:5). One of the implications of this is that no God-given purpose can be accomplished outside of God (John 15:5).
Differentiating a Dream from a Purpose
In the context of this write-up, a dream is a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal. On the other hand, a purpose is the reason for which something is created or for which something exists. When discovered and accepted, a purpose influences life decisions, offers a sense of direction and gives meaning to life.
So while a dream originates from an individual, a purpose is determined by a Creator or Manufacturer. And while a personal dream may not always be one’s purpose, a purpose can very much become a dream when it is discovered, accepted and committed to. Sometimes, a purpose can be connected to a vocation or personal ambition. For example, I have colleagues who I believe are called to be doctors. I don’t see them doing anything else than giving care and hope to people through medicine. They are good at it. they enjoy it, they are settled in it.
In both cases, accomplishing a dream or purpose requires more than just head knowledge.
Build Your Purpose on a Sure Foundation
In their book, ‘Built To Last‘ James Collins and Jerry Porras provide master blueprint for building long lasting and prosperous organizations. Well in Luke 6:46-49, Jesus teaches that the way to ensure a sure foundation is to build on Him (The Word).
“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.”‘ Luke 6:46-49. NKJV
If we find our purpose in God, we will also become established in it, in God.
The strength of a building is its foundation, whose main purpose is to hold the structure above it and keep it upright. Catastrophy awaits any building without a solid foundation.
There is always a temptation to hurriedly get to the top, become the recognized owner of a building or an enterprise, to establish a presence, make a name, become known. Nothing wrong with that really, if we are moving at God’s speed and if we have a solid foundation (in God). But I kind of like the journey, it’s like preparatory, to be comfortably seated at the top…..Resistant to the ‘flood‘ and the ‘vehement stream’. Yeah!
Don’t jump the process and do not build on traditions of men. Trust God. Our faith is not substantiated by human systems but by God’s system. Hearing and doing the Word is a sure foundation. Being led by the Holy Spirit is a sure foundation. Build according to the Word, according to God’s pattern. Only then will you be built to last.
Love Always ?
