“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
Matthew 16:26A KJV
Almost everywhere we go Beau runs into someone that he knows, or someone who knows him from the neighborhood, or a work relationship, or some social event. It’s amazing because I don’t know that many people, and not too many people know my name. I’m ashamed to tell you that I don’t know many of my neighbors. I come and go, and my neighborhood has changed over the years.
As strange as this may sound, I enjoy reading life stories, or biographies because I am fascinated by the way that people live their lives. For some reason, it is at the close of their life that we learn of the impact they’ve had. I love it when we go out as a Church family and Pastor is introduced. I am encouraged by the things that other preachers say about him; even things they may never have said to him. I find it amazing that his life has so much impact, that so many people are blessed by his gift.
Recently, we went to Bro. Battle’s sister’s funeral, where her life was celebrated by her family, church family, and friends. I was amazed by the number of people who shared how her life had impacted theirs. Each one who shared their story thought they had been the only recipient of her cash envelopes until they heard the same story from many others.
I struggle with purpose in my life, and I don’t want to live a life of obscurity, but I’m waiting for that great thing. It was during a recent devotion with the Lord that I questioned what He really wants me to do, and when He’s going to tell me. A lot of our devotion is borne out of our life experiences. It is when we find ourselves in crises that we sense our need for something or someone greater. Our human frailty produces limitless inadequacies, and I, like so many others, want my life to have impact. I was not happy when He told me that while I’m waiting for the big thing, I’m letting the greater thing pass me by.
God wants us to live out His purpose. He calls all believers to join Him in a rescue mission, “to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10). His mission is given for us to help others join His family. He wants everyone to know Him, and He wants to use us to get it done. In the family of God, our life is not our own, it’s about Him. We’re not here just to take up space, or to strive after our own personal goals.
I’m not as gregarious as my husband, or charismatic like Pastor, and I don’t have unlimited cash to hand out. But we have an assignment from God given by God Himself. Living a life of obscurity is in direct opposition to His purpose for my life. We wait for the great things, but He waits for us to do what we already know to do. We all want to do great things for Christ, but all He wants is our obedience. Obedience is better than sacrifice.
If we don’t take the time to become part of the great commission, there is no greater thing. We ought to be living and sharing our faith every day, because one day people from all over the world, including my neighbors, will stand before the throne of God, and while I struggle with purpose, I have to wonder if someone won’t be there because I failed to introduce them to Him.
Submitted By Deaconess Irene Gardon