If Your Life is a Dollar…
I was just past my 34th birthday and a four-month-old Christ-follower. Friends had come in from out-of-town and we had decided to visit First Baptist Church of Atlanta. None of us had ever been there. It was downtown, hard to get to, hard to find a parking place, and easy to watch on t.v. without all the hassle. But we got it together and were ushered into seats just behind a television camera. They’d have been “Restricted View” tickets if we were paying. But they were free.
I opened up the bulletin and Charles Stanley’s name wasn’t there. The “Guest Speaker” was Ronald Blue, CPA. I thought, “I didn’t go through all this to hear a bean-counter drone through some boring talk about money. I came to hear ‘the man.’ Dr. Stanley. The motivator. I came to be inspired. Not guilted about giving.”
But there was no way out. We sang, we prayed, they passed the plate. And then Ron Blue walked to the podium and asked a question that changed my life. I don’t know what he said after this. Have no idea about his three points or call to action. All I remember is when he asked this question…
“If your life is a dollar, what are you spending it for?”
I was stunned. Embarrassed. Knocked off balance.
Thirty-four years old. Never thought about why I’m here or what I was doing with my life.
He continued…
“My purpose in life is to glorify God by using my financial knowledge, skills and experience to help people become better stewards of the resources God has given them.”
Wow!
Here was the first person I ever heard ask and answer that question. If I’d written down my answer to his question, it would have said…
“My purpose in life is to glorify Regi Campbell by going as far as I can as fast as I can within AT&T.”
Pretty lame, huh?
How ‘bout writing yours down right now? If you’re dead-level honest, you might be shocked at the similarity. (I’m not accusing, “I’m jus’ sayin’….”)
Every single one of us is different. While our DNA is 99.9% the same as any other human, there are 3,000,000 differences between every human and every other human. And that’s just what we’re born with. Add the unique influence of parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, teachers, ministers, counselors & friends and we become even more different from each other. Pour each life over years of “one of a kind” experiences and you see why every single person becomes so unique and different.
Our omniscient Heavenly Father isn’t the least bit surprised by the person you’ve become. In fact, He had a huge role in shaping your journey, creating some of the opportunities you’ve had, and redeeming some you tried to make for yourself.
Since we know God doesn’t screw up and for “every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven,” (Eccl. 3:1) what’s your purpose? Have you thought about it? Can you state it? Not the generic version…we’re all to “glorify God.” We’re all created to be worshipers. I’m talking specifically to YOU.
Is there some unique thing about you that, if given over to God, could make a huge difference in people’s lives? Is there something designed into you that, if unleashed, could bring tremendous meaning to your life and glory to your Heavenly Father?
Question: If you’ve crafted a “life purpose statement,” share it with us here.
IF NOT, STAY TUNED. A NEW E-BOOK CALLED “FINDING (your) PURPOSE: How to Know Why You’re Here!” IS COMING SOON…
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Responses (18)
My purpose is to love God, live grace and lead and shepherd my family and God’s family in becoming healthy, Christ-centered teams.
Thanks Mitch
Purpose Statement
As a significant character in a grand story I will have the personal and financial freedom to encourage others in realizing their purpose which will further reveal my own.
Beyond the summary statement here is the deeper meaning:
Significant – I am significant versus special or somehow different. I therefore, along with all other people, am significant.
Character in a grand story – there is an ancient and epic love story being composed before our very eyes by the creator of the universe. He has provided a way for me, if I choose, to be presence, engaged, and living out a part.
Personal freedom speaks to freedom we can have in Christ. Living this out deliberately by his power, might, and motivation (Phil 2:13) takes me on a path to holiness. This is a moment-by-moment journey toward the likeness of Him who makes and has made it possible.
Financial freedom speaks to contentment first in any situations. So irrespective of the bank account I can live in confidence before God. Knowing that seeking Him first will mean my needs are met (Mt 6:33). Furthermore this speaks to the potential and opportunity to give ridiculously with abandonment out of a position of abundance (Mt. 6:3 & 4).
Encourage others in realizing their purpose – I will exercise all of my being in enabling, helping, listening, guiding, and being present while people clear aside the things that encumber them from seeing and achieving who they are in the grand story (Rom. 12:1 & Mt. 20:16). Then allowing them to realizing what it means to “live on purpose.”
Further reveal my own – There is a cycle here and as I serve others in discovering how and where to “live on purpose” I further discover my own purpose in a deeper more meaningful way. The pursuit is not self discovery it is the fruit of walking with the Author of the story and being used and transformed by Him. Each encounter thus with God encourages yet deeper discovery and encounter with others and myself. “The longest journey of any person is the journey inward.” Dag Hammarskjold
This is awesome Rick. You’re obviously someone who’s thought deeply about this. “Lord, please show Rick everything you have for him and give him the courage to live it out intentionally” Amen
To make life Simpler, Easier, & Better.
So where’s God in that?
I believe my purpose is to help men to find their God given talent and help them to develop it and to encourage them to Be the Man God wants them to be NOW not tomorrow.
Awesome Stephen!
I have been living in my Chazown now for almost 12 years…. and that is “To passionately shepherd the spiritually fatherless into the amazing adventure that God truly is”
It’s my youth mentorship and men’s mentorship that has truly fulfilled my calling…..all alongside my journey as a CPA over the last 22 years…
The numbers don’t lie!
Thanks for all your great work here Reggie!
You’ve picked and important and noble fight. Godspeed!
My purpose is to pour into the next generations of leaders, one extraordinary person at a time, enabling and equipping them through leader development and coaching, to reach their fullest, God-given potentials.
Fantastic Alan….
As a husband, father and leader, I will live God’s love in such a way that people would exchange ordinary living for an extraordinary life through the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
and you’re about that purpose from what I know. Godspeed, Ken!
Whether as a husband, father, friend, music producer or writer, I exist to serve by liberating greatness.
Liberating greatness. Way cool!
my statement for many years now has been:
“i exist for the influence of The Kingdom of God”
this has been mainly based on my ability to influence and inspire others… and making a decision to use those skills for God’s Kingdom. it also means that i am myself under the influence of God’s Kingdom, in that it’s increase is what i exist for in my own life.
this year i sensed God leading me to create a declaration, specific for the challenges ahead this year – something i could look at regularly and remember when i am questioning my identity. the declaration is this:
“I am God’s man – disciplined, brave, and prepared for anything.
I will not hide. I will fight for justice and what is right.
I will escape the trap of deceit and the fear of people.
I exist for the influence of The Kingdom of God.”