Who am I?

The other week I had two people ask me in a matter of just a few days if I was a runner.  Now, I haven’t been able to run for quite some time, this question made me think about how often we define ourselves by the things we have done or are doing.  Sure, I used to find identity in being a runner, a sense of pride and accomplishment come from it and I found some worth in that, I’ll admit that.  

God is so gracious, isn’t He?  Throughout this health journey I have been asking the Lord to give me His perspective, to continue to show me my own sin and areas of brokenness, and to empty me and fill me with His lasting peace and purpose.  Because now that running is not apart of my life I am faced with the question of who am I?  Why did this mean so much to me?  I could find a new thing to find identity and worth from, but that wouldn’t do me any good, in fact, it would work towards my destruction instead of giving me a fuller life in Christ and just expound upon my sin.  Friends, our identity is not found in the things we do—our jobs, our families, our finances, our hobbies, etc..  None of these can give us lasting purpose.  Why?  Because all of them could end in an instant.  Yes, these things can give us great joy when walked in with humility, BUT should not be looked too to give us our identity.

In fact Solomon says this about the pleasures of this life:

“And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.  Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:10-12

So this is what I am learning, ready?  I don’t, we don’t, need these things to make us whole or give us a sense of worth.  We are really ok without it, whatever it is.  Jesus is what we need.  He gives us lasting identity, one that will never ever end.  His love.  His grace.  His Truth.  Yes, His salvation lasts forever.  Freedom is found in walking in obedience to the King. 

Trust me, I’m not making this up.  Solomon ends his book with this:

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecc. 12:13

So I'll trust God that if He sees it fit for me to run again then I will, if not, then He knows best, my duty is to honor and obey Him.  It's not burdensome, no friends, it's life! 

What's My Purpose

Ever wondered about your purpose or what God’s will is?  Yeah, I have too. 

Jesus actually talks a little about this in Matthew 6:25-34.  In these verses of scripture Jesus takes the time to speak about the worries of this life (our essential needs--food, clothing, health, shelter).  Jesus says in v. 33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”  What is Jesus trying to tell us here?  What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom?  Well, I think Jesus is trying to tell us that there are really two kingdoms at work in this world.  One of those kingdoms is where we reign, where we are in control, and it’s the one ruled by Satan.  Eesh, I don’t want anything to do with that Kingdom.  I wonder though, I wonder, how often we get caught up in that kingdom and don’t even realize it.  The other Kingdom though is the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom where God reigns, not us, but Him.  We are very active in this Kingdom, but God’s the one who is in control of our lives.  We are submitted to Him, seeking Him, desiring to honor His Name instead of our own.  When we start seeking Him amazing things start to happen.  Life just gets easier.  Now, it doesn't always mean circumstances get easier, but that place in our hearts that likes to wrestle, and worry experiences peace instead of anxiety. 

So, you want to know what your purpose is?  Then start seeking God.  Don’t try to take control.  Say goodbye to yourself and hello to Jesus.  Submit to Him, the Father who knows and has a plan.  The Holy Spirit will guide you and show you your purpose in Him.  One word of caution though, I think we are always looking for God to use us in some grand way.  Don’t be surprised if God uses you on a much smaller scale that you expected.  Oh, but nothing, no work for the Kingdom is small in God’s eyes! 

 This life is not about making our name great, it’s about making His Name great!  Here’s a little something to get you started on seeking God’s will for your life.  Ready?  Okay, here it goes.

"One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’  The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’   There is no commandment greater than these.”" Mark 12:28-31

 

Is God first in your life?  Are you seeking Him for the call of your life?  Or are you seeking money, prestige, and a name for yourself?  What about your neighbor?  I dare you to start pouring out your life to others and see if you just might experience some sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

As life goes on and each year passes by as you walk submitted to the Lord Jesus, you will realize it becomes easier to know His will, to sense His direction, to hear His voice.