AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: Purposeful Living

TEXT: For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was buried among his fathers and experienced decay [in the grave]; Acts 13:36(AMP)

Purposeful living is the result of a Purposeful Mindset and obedience. God introduced the concept of purpose to man’s existence on Earth at creation. The world was made with everything in it having a function and role in sustaining the universe’s existence. God created Light to separate day and night. Then, God separated the waters above from the ones below to create land.

All the plants and animals God created had their seed in them to replicate themselves. God need not create any other plants or animals, whether aquatic or terrestrial because his spoken word has already completed everything and was empowered to multiply. 

And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” Genesis 1:22(AMP)

God determined man’s identity and purpose before he was formed; He made them male and female to be like God, rule, and have dominion over the Earth. Serving God’s Purpose is to embrace that identity and live in alignment to fulfil all the assignment details in your generation, just as David did.

Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, in the likeness of ourselves; and let them rule over the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the animals, and over all the earth, and over every crawling creature that crawls on the earth.” So God created humankind in his own image; in the image of God, he created him: male and female, he created them. Genesis 1:26-27(CJB)

God had provided everything man needed to fulfil his assignment even before creation. The Garden provided shelter, food, and a place for a man to exercise authority. God recognized that man’s need for love and the ability to express love was unmet, so he created women for that purpose. God had already taken care of man’s basic needs long before Maslow wrote his theory about the hierarchy of needs.

And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the Earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the Earth.Genesis 1:28(AMP)

Man’s ability to succeed in exercising dominion on the Earth is tied to his understanding of who he is and his position on Earth. His identity was the first thing the devil attacked in the Garden, and today, many believers still struggle with embracing what the scriptures say about who they are. From issues of low self-esteem to feelings of insecurity, shame and guilt, the enemy distorts the image they have of themselves. Satan uses lies to question God’s love and motives, which is the foundation of the believer’s identity and purpose. 

But the serpent said to the woman, “You certainly will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened [that is, you will have greater awareness], and you will be like God, knowing [the difference between] good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5(AMP)

When you know what God says about who you are and the life he wants you to live, and you embrace and pursue it, then you are living purposefully. Everything designed is made to solve a problem or meet a need; that is its purpose. If it is used contrary to its manufacturer’s design, then it’s being abused. 

As soon as man disobeyed, God in the Garden promised that the woman’s seed would provide redemption and salvation. That day, God determined Jesus’ purpose on Earth. To accomplish God’s purpose, Jesus had to become the Son of God to qualify to be the Saviour. You cannot serve God’s purpose on Earth until you conform to the image of a son of God. 

 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. Romans 8:28,29(NIV)

Pursuing glory outside of God’s purpose can lead to idolatry, but when we live according to God’s plan, He rewards us with glory. David became King of Israel by following God’s will and plan. Moses, Joseph, Paul, and Mary all lived to fulfil God’s purpose by aligning themselves with His plan for their lives. Even today, they continue to be honoured in this generation.

The devil tries to keep humans from discovering God’s purpose by using ignorance as a weapon. And if we manage to overcome that challenge, he puts a lot of obstacles in our way to prevent us from advancing further. However, we can overcome these obstacles by developing resilience and perseverance. We can lead a fulfilling life if we cultivate a biblical mindset that is not afraid of opposition and is committed to serving others with our talents and skills. Such a life is worth celebrating on birthdays, positively impacting future generations and securing eternal life.

When humanity sinned, they lost the privilege of accessing the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. However, at the second coming of Christ, all those who have lived according to God’s purposes will be granted access to the tree again when Eden is restored. Though we all fall asleep, we know it is the continuation of the abundant life Jesus secured for us. The gift of eternal life is the reward for living purposefully according to God’s will. (Revelation 22)

Reflection Questions

1 How does this devotion speak to you about God’s plan?

2. In which area of your identity do you still have difficulty?

3. Are you aware of and pursuing God’s plan for your life? 

4. What scripture gives you comfort in the obstacles you face?

Photo by Lucas Law on Unsplash