For the Sake of the Gospel
- Jeff Kent
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Having purpose in life is important. Many people who believe they have no purpose for living become depressed and often give up on living meaningful lives. They can sink into further depression and despair, often turning to drugs and other escape-from-reality mechanisms. Some resort to suicide.
There are a wide range of “purposes” for living which run from the honorable to the vile. Many people find purpose in altruistic endeavors: volunteering in soup kitchens, visiting in care centers, raising money for various charitable causes, etc. Others find purpose in rearing children and providing for their family. Others pursue a career which benefits mankind such as medicine or teaching. Lots of folks immerse themselves in various hobbies and pastimes: fishing, golf, collecting, gardening, antiquing, etc. For others, money, power and fame are the driving force in their lives. Some people even find evil purpose in lives of crime.
For the Christian, purpose in life takes on different meaning and perspective. Having accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord, He now becomes our Master, and His purposes become ours. We gain a new perspective on life. Let’s take a couple of examples. We may still want to volunteer in soup kitchens, but now it isn’t just about my own personal satisfaction but about Christ working through me to show His love. I still want to do well in my career, but now such things as honesty, integrity and fair play come to the fore. Am I honoring Christ in my work and in my conduct at my place of employment?
Paul’s life took on new purpose after Jesus stopped him in his tracks on the road to Damascus. He had been living all-out to keep the law of Moses in his life. Now, Jesus becomes his Lord, and His word becomes his purpose. He wrote: “I do all things for the sake of the gospel...” The gospel for Paul was his specific charge from Jesus - to take the message of the cross to the Gentile people. The gospel became Paul’s purpose in life - both inside and out.
We would all do well to remember Paul’s example. We need to keep Jesus’ words close to our hearts in all we do.
><> Jeff