BORN FOR A CAUSE

“Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. FOR THIS CAUSE I WAS BORN, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice” – John 18:37b

Humanity was not only created for a Purpose; each of us was BORN FOR A PURPOSE: “Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. FOR THIS CAUSE I WAS BORN, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth…” (Jh.18:37). Jesus Christ knew beyond a shadow of doubt why He was born! Deep down in our hearts, we know that we were born for a purpose. We each desire to have a meaningful cause to live for and fulfil. This is not unique to a special set of people; it's a longing of every human being. William Barclay said, “There are two great days in a person's life – the day we are born and the day we discover why.” You were not conscious of the day you were born, but you know when you discover why you were born!

God puts something to believe in within each of our hearts; something for which we can have fiery enthusiasm. We need to know that our lives have meaning; and that we are needed in this world – born with a purpose. Some were born to lead, some to give direction, some to teach, some to nurture, some to administer, some to create beautiful works of architecture or arts, some to pioneer or break new grounds, some to inven, some to innovate and generate products, some to care and encourage; some to command armies; some to build men and others to build gigantic edifices. Mary Kay Ash for example, said concerning her life’s purpose: “My goal is to live my life in such a way that when I die, someone can say, she cared.”

Moses’ life’s purpose was declared much later in his lifetime, when God called him by the burning bush: “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (Exo.3:10). That tells me that it is never too late to discover life’s purpose. In contrast, Jeremiah was a child when Jehovah unveiled to him the purpose for his life: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations” (Jer.1:5). Peter was called to be a fisher of men (Mt.4:19). The Lord Jesus Christ later spelt out the assignment in greater detail: “Feed my lambs…Tend My sheep…Feed My sheep…” (Jh.21:15-17). The Lord also revealed life’s purpose of Saul of Tarsus through Ananias: “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16).

Beloved, to what end were you born? For what cause did you come into the world? Your purpose must be particular to you. This is the road less travelled. Your purpose cannot be someone else's path; it is not necessarily your parent’s path or your family's trail. I am convinced that God planned for me to be here with a definite purpose. I am here in my current location and timing on planet earth to contribute something unique. I have a peculiar purpose to fulfil in my generation and at every location God grants me the opportunity to be situated. My life is not a chance happening. I am divinely-programmed to pursue and fulfil a paramount purpose. Deep within me are commensurate gifts and grace to accomplish my life’s purpose.

Rick Warren submits that knowing your purpose gives your life meaning, simplicity, focus and motivation, and also prepares you for eternity. What a different story we would have to tell if only we’ll pay the price to discover a definite Purpose, and stand by that purpose until it becomes an all-consuming passion and overwhelming mission!