Everyone struggles with purpose. Deep within the human heart is a desire to mean something. We want to know that our lives matter. Why? Because God created us with that longing. He put it there and He alone can answer that cry.
In the book of Ephesians, Paul declares that we should “live to the praise of His glory.” God created you and me to live a life filled with His glory, to reflect Him to those seen on the earth and those unseen in the heavenlies. You were made to live a glory-filled life. You were made for glory! How’s that for a purpose?
Living a glory-filled life is about living in connection to God. If we can begin to understand all that God has given us through Christ, if I can realize that my life is united with His, I begin to live in the downpayment of the Holy Spirit that has been given to me. I begin to live as an adopted child of God with all the rights and privileges thereof.Think of it! Our future home is the kingdom of heaven and our inheritance is all that belongs to the King! What would it look like if we began to live with an understanding of that?
In understanding my identity and living in the glory of that identity, I begin to understand how I am related to everyone else that belongs to Christ. Each one of us has the same access to God because of what Christ has done. We are one with each other because we are one with Him. Couldn’t our generation use some more oneness? What if the Church began to reflect the glory of the unity God made us for?
When I understand my identity in Christ and my relationship with all those who belong to Christ I begin to understand the purpose of the Church, the called-out ones of God. We exist to show His glory to the heavenly and earthly realms. We, not just as individuals but as the whole Church, exist for the praise of His glory. We are to live in His love and demonstrate the greatness of His love so that God will receive glory. The key word here is “WE.”
American culture is very individualistic. We don’t tend to think of ourselves as part of a whole. But living a life that reflects God’s glory isn’t possible without living in connection to other believers. It’s when we are united with each other that we best reflect God’s glory. How connected are you?
That glory of God is magnified as each member of the Body grows to maturity. Maturity means that we each begin to discover and identity our gifts for the benefit of all. Maturity means we begin to live differently in our relationships with each other and with the world. Maturity means we look different from the world because we are different. That difference is displayed by reflecting His glory in every relationship. Every realationship! That means every time you and I interact with anyone we can be fulfilling our purpose!
We live a life of glory by living a life of sacrifice that imitates the sacrifice of Christ. We choose to put the others in our family relationships above ourselves for the glory of God. We put Him first by putting others first. We honor Him by honoring those in our homes. We often thing of fulfilling our purpose as being “out there,” but when we realize that our purpose is to live for God’s glory the message comes home, literally and figuratively!
A glory-filled life recognizes the power we have received because of our status as adopted children of God. We remember who we are when the lies of the enemy come at us through earthly sources. We stand firm in our heavenly identity because of the spiritual blessings we have received as chosen children of God. Made for glory means made for victory over every enemy, especially the unseen ones that tear at us every day!
A glory-filled life prays for all believers to live in His glory so that His glorious grace will be revealed in all things. As a chosen child of the King don’t you want to see your Father reflected in your brothers and sisters? Part of your purpose is to be part of making that happen through your prayers. We often get terrritorial. We feel like there isn’t enough room for everyone to succeed. Part of living for glory is helping everyone to succeed so that God’s glory spreads throughout the whole earth.
You were created to help spread God’s glory over the whole earth. Is that a big enough purpose for you?
Key thought: You were made for God’s glory.
We were also chosen to belong to him. God decided to choose us long ago in keeping with his plan. He works out everything to fit his plan and purpose. We were the first to put our hope in Christ. We were chosen to bring praise to his glory. Ephesians 1:11-12 NIRV
A YES challenge: What are some practical ways you can begin to live for God’s glory?
Prayer:
Father, I do long for purpose. It gnaws at me and I often feel like I am just living day to day. If I can begin to get ahold of this idea, that ultimately my purpose is not about what I do, but about bringing You glory, I think I might start to get a sense of purpose in everyday. Help me, Lord. Open my eyes. Help me live for the glory You created me for. Amen.