The Power of Purpose

We tend to admire individuals who have a strong sense of purpose in their lives. They seem more confident, their direction is set and at the end of their lives there is a tangible way to measure their success – did they achieve their purpose?
No one better demonstrated the power of purpose than Jesus. The Bible clearly identifies his purpose: “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” It also says, “[Jesus] came to seek and to save what was lost.” All of Jesus’ decisions and actions were determined by his purpose, not chance. He was born in Bethlehem rather than Baltimore, in the first century rather than in the fifth century. He determined who he would heal, where he would preach and which disciples he would pick. Even the circumstances of his death were determined on the basis of this stated purpose. That is why on the cross, with his arms outstretched, he was able to shout out, “It is finished.” His purpose was fulfilled. He had achieved the mission that he had set out to do.
Major corporations and institutions invest considerable time and money in identifying the purpose of their organization. They recognize the power of purpose. A carefully determined and clearly stated purpose becomes the compass by which everything is directed and the standard by which everything is evaluated. They realize that if you aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.
And so it is with our lives. We must decide on our purpose and then live it!

Related Scripture: John 3:17 & Luke 19:10

© 2007 Leith Anderson