We have been invited to follow Jesus, and as we willingly and sacrificially follow him, he promises that he will mold us into what he wants us to be, He will give our lives in him, purpose.
What is purpose? The dictionary defines purpose as “the reason something is done or created or for which something exists”. Jesus said to Peter and James, “I will make you fishers of men.” It was a brilliant metaphorical twist on their occupation as fishermen (what they were accustomed to do) to being fishers of men (the purpose and the mission he would give them). Our jobs can feel like our true calling in life, we are skillful in it, we know the ins and outs of our profession, but is that God’s purpose for our lives. Our God given purpose is to lead others to Christ, it’s that simple. We are called to make disciples.
Early in Jesus’ ministry, he refers to those who believed on him as being the salt and the light of the world (Matt. 5: 13-15). Salt is used for purification, preservation, and seasoning, among other things. Jesus refers to if the salt has lost its taste, it would lose its purpose, and would be thrown away. So too, is light. Light is used to illumine dark places, not to be put under a basket, not to be hidden. Our lives are meant to be a spiritual influence for others, and show forth the God that we serve.
The apostle Paul said, “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” (I Cor. 9:22). Paul was willing to cross barriers to reach men and women with the gospel. Reaching others for Christ will cause us to expand our horizons if we are truly following him. He calls us to be witnesses to all the world, so let’s begin right where we are touching someone with the love of God. That is our mission, that is our purpose.
