People of Purpose

A child of God's life is one of purpose. The Bible even tells us
straight out what our purpose in life is: ".Fear God, and keep his
commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Eccl. 12:13). The
word of God speaks of many things that a faithful Christian will
purpose to do. 

The child of God will purpose to give monetarily to the church. 2
Cor. 9:7 exhorts us to give "as he purposeth in his heart". To
purpose to give is to plan ahead for it, to intend to give a certain
amount. Too many people wait till they arrive at worship and then
decide what to give. Some also determine what to give back to God by
how much of their paycheck is left after paying all the bills. Our
Father's desire is that we think intently about what we should give,
pray and ask for guidance and then firmly decide, before the money
leaves your checkbook, what you should give. Giving should be for all
a cheerful event knowing that is what God loves.

A child of God would purpose not to let any evil intent leave their
mouth. Like David of old, we should say "I am purposed that my mouth
shall not transgress" (Ps 17:3). In what way can a person transgress
with their mouth? Jesus taught "that which cometh out of the mouth,
this defileth a man" (Matt 15:11). What comes out of the mouth comes
from the heart. And what comes from the heart are "evil thoughts,
murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
blasphemies" (Matt 15:19). Our mouths can cause much damage if we do
not pay close attention to what we are saying. James puts it this
way: ".the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth" (James 3:5). 

Faithful Christians will also purpose to "cleave unto the Lord"
(Acts 11:23). Barnabas wanted all the members of the church to
continue in their service to God. He wanted them to remember that God
is their first love and there is no one more important. Of great
significance is the fact "the disciples were called Christians first
in Antioch" (Acts 11:26). What a great testament to the people of
Antioch that their faithfulness to our Lord was so evident that the
new name prophesied years beforehand (Isaiah 62:2) for God's
followers would be first applied to them. All God's children should
plan and purpose to stay with God.

It is clear from the scriptures that Christians are a people of
purpose. The life one lives for God should always be with a clear
intent to always do what the Father wants us to do. I have purposed
in my heart to faithfully uphold the duty my God has given me; to
keep His commandments. Have you?


In Christ, Steve Preston


Sign up for BibleTalk, short messages 
from God's word, at bibletalk-subscribe@...
or on the web at freegroups.net/groups/bibletalk