First of all, here's a pretty great pic of me and the boys, snapped by my lovely wife!
I've been ruminating for quite some time now on the things of life, specifically the purpose of life.
Start with a quote by Oswald Chambers-
"The cross did not happen to Jesus: He came on purpose for it...The cross is the centre of Time and of Eternity, the answer to the enigmas of both."
A wise man explained to me recently that many people on this earth do not live to the fullest and/or do not have joy because they are not living in line with their purpose. Furthermore, many people do not even realize they have a purpose for being here. They wander through life, looking for meaning in relationships and possessions. Each relationship they enter into leaves them longing for something more. Each purchase digs a hole in the soul that feels empty and cold. Life is a series of events that randomly occur in no particular order or format.
On the other hand, Jesus models for us a life of fullness. He clearly lived with intentionality and purpose. He was keenly aware that He was on earth because He had a job to do and He held unswervingly to that fact. So how can I live with that same calling, that same "fire in the belly" that drove Jesus to do the things He did? Scripture indicates God has a plan for all of our lives. So that means we must NOT be here by accident. All of us, no matter how screwed up we feel and no matter what circumstances we have gotten ourselves into, are here for a reason. So how do we get in touch with that purpose or perhaps more appropriately I could call it "life vision"?
I propose that the first thing which needs to occur is that our eyes must be opened to the light of God's Word. I suggest that the Great Commandment is a good starting place for the Christian who is looking to understand his life vision-
"You shall love the LORD you God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength."
When we begin to embrace a fundamental truth such as this one, we see all other events in life through the lens of this principle.
As we commit ourselves to Him more and more over time I believe He changes us. Pretty soon my desires are no longer what they used to be- a faster car, a bigger house, a nicer watch, etc. etc. And as this transformation occurs- let's call it "progressive sanctification"- I become more and more aware of the fact that He is all I need.
