I’m put on this earth to get as much pleasure and profit as possible.
Dare 2 Share - Your attention please…this is a test. This is only a test. Had this been an actual emergency, you would have been instructed where to tune for further information.
Please answer (on paper or in your mind) the following question.
Why did God put you here on earth?
If you don’t know the right answers to this question, then my friend you are as lost as a blind mouse in a maze with no cheese. Perhaps that’s why you have multiple times in your week where you feel like a square peg trying to fit into the round hole of this present age.
So let’s take a look at the way-wrong answers that the wily world might be whispering- and what God has to say about them:
World: “I’m put on this earth to get as much pleasure and profit as possible.”
God: But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. (I Timothy 6:9)
World: “I'm put on this earth so I could be happy. I now have my ‘get out of hell free’ card, so I’m going to take life easy”
God: And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (Luke 12:16-21)
World: “Life is about live and let live. I have no right to offend people and/or judge their lifestyle. I’m just going to chill out, find a comfortable job and group of friends (just like the T.V. show!). There is no way I’m going to ‘rock the boat’.”
God: Great crowds were following Jesus. He turned around and said to them, "If you want to be my follower you must love me more than your own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters--yes, more than your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And you cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. (Luke 14:25-27)
If you don’t think the Bible is clear on the answer to the test, you have another verse coming. Besides that, one day you will be responsible for responding to those questions again, except this time it will not be a test- it will be an assessment by the Almighty God! I would call that an ‘emergency’, so let me tune you into the answer sheet, written by the Author of the examination.
So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life--whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. (Matthew 6:25-33)
Why did God put me here on earth? Maybe I’ll never fully figure that out in this life, so I think I’ll go on the information I do understand. God desires for me to fully commit my life to His control, and seek the advancement of His rule and reign in each and every thing I do and say.
Do I do that everyday? Nope. In fact I fail and fall more than you could possibly imagine. But that’s the whole point- His grace covers me, and I get up again and again and again to accomplish His will according to His plan through His power.
Is this making sense to you? Here’s an idea that you could apply immediately-
Each morning say a prayer something like this:
“Father, my life is yours- bought with the blood of Your Son Jesus. Fill me with your Spirit and use me, lead me, and guide me to accomplish Your will and advance Your Kingdom”
Be careful though! I’m pretty sure when people start doing this, life takes on a whole new perspective. Yet perhaps that is what you might be looking for?
Questions:
1) How has your answer changed since reading the verses above?
2) How has the world influenced your worldview?
3) Would you be willing to pray the suggested prayer each day? Why or why not?
