I was reading a story this week about a teenage boy who has started a charity to help AIDS victims, and orphans in Africa. Through using his interest and love of basketball the organisation he founded has helped raise over $2.5 million to support kids in Africa. This teenager wasn’t an amazing or the best basketball player, he simply loved the game, and when God got hold of his life He turned this young man’s passion into something He could use.
God has put the desires and dreams we have in our heart. He created each of us unique and with a purpose, to do amazing things. Whatever it is we love to do, are good at, or are interested in, God wants to use these qualities in us. He wants to increase our joy in them, and use who we are to bless the world.
The thing to think about is “What drives our life”? That young teenager is driven by compassion for orphaned Aids victims. It governs his decisions, choices and heart, and God has been able to use Him mightily for good.
We are all driven by something. The word drive is defined as “to guide, to control, or to direct. So what is the driving force in your life? Is it fear, guilt, resentment, materialism, or the need to be loved and to have others approval? Or, are you guided by the fact that you know your purpose and the meaning for your life? Does love and compassion guide you? Does God direct you?
Let’s be honest, we all want our lives to be significant, and for people to remember us once we have left this world. We can all get caught up in the desire to achieve, to leave our mark and to create a lasting legacy on earth. Yet what really matters in the end? Is it buildings, large bank accounts, houses, cars, a list of achievements or trophy’s on the wall? Or is it actually that our life and purpose has it’s foundation and direction in what God says about our life. In what He says is important. In who He says we are.
Jesus said “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). But His full life is often quite different to what the world says is full. His full life is knowing Him, and living our life walking with Him. His full life is learning to trust Him, and allowing Him to lead and guide us to impact the world His way.
The bible says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
God wants to “add” to us all the great things He has created. But first He wants us to know Him and to discover our purpose in Him. He wants us to use the gifts, talents, resources and opportunities we have been given for good. He wants us to bless others, to alleviate someone’ else’s pain, to show love and compassion; to be Jesus’ hands and feet in this world, and to enjoy the often crazy, wild, adventurous ride with Jesus while we do!
If you want to make a mark on the world and leave a real legacy, perhaps the best example of a purpose driven, amazing life is Jesus. He is without a doubt declared to be by Christians and non-Christians alike, the greatest teacher and world changer the world has ever seen. What drove Him? It was His love and compassion for all mankind, and his mission to destroy the works of the devil. (John 3:16; 1 John 3:8)
If we want to make a real difference, and to have a life that is meaningful, and with purpose, let’s look to Jesus and follow His example. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Today, think about “what drives your life” Is your life guided and motivated by love, compassion and the desire to be used by God for good? Or are you driven by fear, doubts, and primarily your own ambition.
Let’s choose wisely what really matters in life, and live our life on purpose.
Prayer: Lord thank you that you have created me with a purpose, and that you want me to use all that I have been given for good. Help me to make my mark on the world everyday by simply following the example of Jesus. In Jesus name Amen
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