Why do you exist? What is your purpose in this life? Seriously, why do you live on this planet?
Are you just taking up space?
Are you living for yourself, seeking personal fulfillment?
Are you trying to make a difference in the world, and more specifically, in the life of others?
I recently read about a poll taken that asked Americans what they thought was their main purpose in life. You might think the main results would be “To make a contribution to society” or “To have a meaningful life.”
Nope.
The majority said, “Life is enjoyment and personal fulfillment.” So…in other words…live for yourself. Sounds like the old Grassroots song: “Sha la la la live for today.” (A ’60s song…look it up).
Years ago Pastor John Piper wrote a book entitled “Don’t Waste Your Life.” That about sums it up. You can waste your life pursuing trivial pursuits and living for yourself or you can live it for the benefit of others. There is a quote which has made it rounds and no man really knows where it came from. It was used by Harry Emerson Fosdick in 1942 but it had circulated for years before he made it popular.
A man who is all wrapped up in himself makes a mighty small package.
Benjamin Franklin said,
A self-centered person is not very appealing to others.
A person who lives for himself is indeed a very small package. As a follower of Christ, my life is to be lived for Him and for His glory. Jesus Himself said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Don’t waste your life on yourself. Spend it by giving it away to others.
Amen, Bill! May my life be lived to give God the glory.
Blessings!
That is as it should be Martha.
No doubt the most rewarding of experiences I have found have come from those that benefit others. They last longer and don’t lose their “new car smell” the minute you drive off the lot. The smile of a child that no longer has to sleep on the floor. The toothless grin of homeless man that really just wanted someone to talk to for a few minutes. The gratitude of a family who received a little help to get through a tough time. They crying parent that just need a shoulder to cry on.
Those memories will hopefully last forever… I’m pretty sure the same cannot be said for that 2 hour video game session or that latest binge session of Amazon Prime TV.
God help my life not be a waste, but help me identify those area where I can be of greatest impact.
I agree with you Ryan. There is absolutely nothing quite like seeing that smile or gratitude from someone because of care. It makes it all worthwhile. I, too, pray my life will not be a waste.
Father, it is Your will, Your kingdom that needs to be our first focus in everything that we do. We need to advance Your kingdom, by sharing our story with how Christ works in our lives and the changes that have been made living in a Christ centered life. Bringing lost people to Christ, is our purpose in our lives. Father, may we always glorify You with our words and actions as we work to advance Your kingdom. Help us Father to serve You and You alone.
That, Gail, is a prayer we all should be praying. may His kingdom advance to His glory.
Pastor Bill, I have really been enjoying these devotionals. I couldn’t agree more. I have never seen such a self-seeking, self-gratifying time, and it seems that there are few who are willing to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Jesus. There’s a good reason Jesus listed “deny yourself” as the first step in the three-step process. May God bless you for your faithfulness to His call upon your life.
Thank you Cheryl for coming by, taking the time to read and comment. I totally agree with you. Our self-seeking society has trouble with “denying yourself” as a first step. Thanks again for coming by.