Lent is a time of preparation and an opportunity to go deeper with God. It is a time for personal reflection that prepares our hearts and minds for Good Friday and Easter.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
Proverb 19:21
People often ask, ‘Why are we here? What is my purpose?’ As Christians we know God has a purpose for us, although we can struggle to find ‘exactly’ what that is for us individually. This Sunday, Pastor Lonnie referred to Mark 10:35-45, where the Bible tells us our purpose is ‘servanthood’; Serving God and serving each other.
My own personal reflection, if I am totally honest with myself, I sometimes volunteered to serve others for my own benefit. I had various reasons for serving or volunteering, i.e., ‘looks good on my resume’; ‘accolades from peers/ co-workers/ my boss; student success equals ‘my’ success, need to fill some empty time. From the outside, I was a good person doing good deeds. Yet my personal satisfaction still felt empty. I have found that when I shift my focus on to doing these ‘good deeds’ to fulfill God’s purpose the emptiness is filled with abundance and humility. It still looks good on a resume, I still receive accolades, I can still take pride in my students’ success, those things don’t stop, but the impact is different. I can take the accolades with humility knowing God is smiling and walking beside me. My focus becomes clearer, and my drive to put my all into it, stronger. Serving God through serving others, brings a deeper more satisfying result for the one’s I am helping and for me.
I continue to have to pause and remind myself of the ‘purpose’ of my service. My service to others needs to be more than actions, it needs to be motivated and grounded in the desire to honor God. (Proverbs 19:21) Service to God and others can take many forms, it isn’t always done in committees or organizations. It can be as simple as smiling and greeting a stranger in the supermarket, allowing God’s love to come through us.
As we reflect this Lenten season, let us remember how our Lord, Jesus Christ, was willing to fulfil His purpose for all of us. How are you fulfilling God’s purpose for you? Are you allowing God to be ‘your’ helper in achieving your life’s purpose?
Meditation focus: In the message this week, Pastor Lonnie spoke of the 3 types of life levels: Survival, Success, and Significance. Which level best describes where you are? Where do you want to be and how are you going to get there?
Prayer: Loving God, keep us aware of each other’s needs. Help us to fulfill your purposes for our lives. We thank you for loving and caring for us. Amen
*If you did not have an opportunity to see the Online Service on Sunday, please go to the link below and let PEACE fill your hearts not just for the day but for every day. https://youtu.be/t08jQikf1Go OR you can catch it at foxriverchurch.org
Submitted by: Joyce Hawkins, member, retired teacher, serves on Discipleship
team, Cleaning Crew, Confirmation Teacher.
