Living on Purpose – Considering the cost
By Bill Holland
When browsing in a bookstore, I’m sure certain titles grab your attention and you read the back cover because you want to know more about what the book is about.
The same is true for most people who research their direction before they begin traveling on a journey because they want to know more about where they are going.
Well, since this is a new year, I want to ask some questions that are intended for us to contemplate and decide if this is a direction we dare to take. My first question is: Are we interested about drawing closer to God?
It would seem reasonable to accept that individuals sensitive about the spiritual realm would understand that God is the meaning and purpose of life. You may have guessed what the next question is going to be; are we ready to take the step of faith toward God and commit to becoming the person we were created to be?
This is the point where, like those in the bookstore, we decide to either purchase the book or lay it down and continue seeking.
Most of us humans do not like drastic change because we do not want to let go of all the things that we love, even though many of them are bad for us. However, we really cannot afford to ignore our destiny because avoiding reality is like putting a Band-Aid on a broken arm.
The older we grow, the more set in our ways we become and to those who live in a satisfied state of mind, it’s very difficult to surrender our will and become a brand new person.
This does not mean it’s impossible for an old dog to learn new tricks, it just means that personal transformation includes a certain amount of sacrifice. It’s sobering to consider that for many individuals who dwell in denial, the cost of changing is more than they are willing to pay.
We realize that it’s pleasurable to hear devotions and read books about how God wants to continue blessing us just like we are. When we hear these words, it seems to imply that we have nothing to worry about and with no further need to be shaped or molded by the Potter.
Our nature loves this type of cozy message but unfortunately it’s not true. As a minister and counselor, I often hear people say they just want to get their life together and be happy and then they will serve God, but this is putting the cart before the horse.
Spiritual peace and contentment can only be found when we fall in love with God first. Others desire to be successful and respected but ignore the Lord.
It seems that mankind is always looking to make some type of deal or compromising agreement with God but this is not true covenant love. We’ve heard about the overcomers in the book of Revelation, but who are they and what does this mean? Basically, I believe this is referring to those who control their flesh and resist the devil.
These are the individuals who are focused on Christ and love Him with all of their mind, strength, and soul. How determined are you and I to be awakened from our slumber? The answers to these questions separate the spectators from the participators.
Imagine the adventurers who boarded ships and sailed away in search for a new world. They waved goodbye while leaving those who were satisfied with mediocrity standing on the shore. When will we decide that it’s our time to come aboard His vessel of unlimited possibilities? Will we remain the same or will we seek and fulfill our spiritual destiny?
Similar to making a decision to diet and exercise, our spiritual evolution has everything to do with desire. Impossible? Of course not! Difficult? Absolutely!
Charles Swindoll is quoted as saying, “We all are faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.”
If we are not interested, we will not succeed and it’s as simple as that. Could today be the day when you ask God to begin a personal metamorphosis in your life?
Salvation, deliverance, forgiveness, and perfect peace is only a prayer away. Mark Twain is quoted as saying, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
