THE POWER OF PURPOSE

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 3:14

The Bible does not leave us in doubt as to the reality of the POWER of PURPOSE: “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:14). Purpose propels towards accomplishment and attainment. Paul the apostle could have tabled many to feel frustrated with life and ministry, but the Power of Purpose and Passion kept him going: “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead (vv.12-13).

A wise man said: “Life has value only when it has something of value as its object.” Paul put behind him all that he valued in his pedigree and his past, for the “surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus” (Phil.3:8, NASB). Sometimes when testifying to how they became Christians some sincere saints will narrate how terrible their lives were before they began following Jesus. In some cases this is true, but not in every case. Paul’s testimony was not that he gave up a lot of appalling things or that he was a rotten person; rather, he considered everything in his life of which he was most proud, which he still valued immensely, but concluded that these good things he gladly put behind him. Paul inferred that “Christ surpasses everything of worth to me.” That is the Power of Purpose!

The apostle walked away from everything he once held dear and built his life upon, because his heart had been captured by a greater passion, his mind by a higher purpose, and his will by a higher calling. He wanted to know Christ and to become like Christ and that purpose and desire fueled and drove him for the rest of his life. Wouldn’t we then be right to conclude that PURPOSE is POWER? A destiny devoid of the consciousness of purpose is likely to wallow in weakness. Many people go through life feeling discouraged about themselves, thinking they lack purpose in life. But that’s not necessarily true. Every human being – irrespective of life experiences, status, physical ability or talents – has a purpose. The difference is in the awareness, consciousness or revelation of purpose.

Purpose is primary from both temporal and eternal perspectives. The starting point for any life, ministry, organisation or institution is the question: “Why do I (do we) exist? Purpose is Power! There is incredible power in a clearly defined purpose. Purpose provides Direction and orientation for living, thereby overruling confusion. Purpose provokes concentration: “No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (Phil.3:13LB). A focused life will have greater impact than an unfocused one.

Purpose builds Morale. Many limp along in life because they have lost sight of their purpose for living. The power of purpose and passion increases willpower and changes lives. Steadfastness of spirit and the worthiness of purpose overcome frustration. Purpose reduces frustration by helping you to prioritize all the distractions around you. You don’t have time to do everything. Purpose enhances intentional living. It is hard for anyone to sacrifice, suffer, and persevere for something of little value. Such will lead to frustration. We need a worthy purpose so the frustrations of life don’t inhibit the purpose of life. Why not consider applying this filter: “Does this activity contribute to the purpose for which God made and sent me?”

Are you an on-purpose person or a “whatever” person? What is your life’s purpose? Who and what are you living for?  Who and what does God want you to be? When you can answer those questions clearly and briefly as Paul could, you know your purpose, and your purpose can fuel your passion. That’s our next port of call – Passion!