Friday, December 6th Devotional

Keep Your Purpose in Sight

 “Brethren, I do not consider that I have made it on my own; but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”  (Philippians 3:13-14).

 

In his bestselling book, Quiet Strength, Coach Tony Dungy spoke of his years in professional football as player and coach.  Following his Super Bowl victory, he was widely recognized for his coaching ability, but in his book he spoke of “building a legacy  –  not necessarily on the field, but in those places that most people will never see.”

“My purpose in life is simply to glorify God.  We have to be careful that we don’t let the pursuit of our life’s goals, no matter how important they seem, cause us to lose sight or our purpose.

    I coach football.  But the good I can do to glorify God along the way is my real purpose.  I want to help people see the path to eternal life through Christ, to enjoy an abundant life now, and to fulfill their God-given purposes here.”

Think for just a moment what could have happened if Jesus had allowed his humanity to overcome his divinity.  He could easily have forsaken God’s purpose for the sake of his own lofty goals in this world.

Was there anything wrong with his public teaching?  No.  Anything wrong with feeding 5000 hungry people?  No.  Anything wrong with healing the sick, causing the lame to walk or giving sight to the blind?  No.  How about casting out demons or bringing the dead back to life?  Again, no.  What about calming storms and restoring dignity to folks caught in blatant sinfulness?  No!  These are all good things.  All lofty goals.  Great characteristics.  But Jesus came for a higher purpose!

Jesus ultimately came to bring salvation to a sinful world.  He came to put on public display God’s grace and mercy.  From the cradle to the cross God’s purpose for Jesus was to give hope to the hopeless, joy to the downtrodden and eternal love to all.

As you experience all that this Christmas season offers remember to take a moment for your ultimate purpose:  to worship God and bring glory and honor to him in all things.  With each carol you sing, with each gift you exchange, with every sight and sound you enjoy, remember to give thanks to God and share His love with those you encounter.

Pastor Tom

Prayer:  “Father of hope, you came to bring salvation to mankind.  Nothing short of your eternal plan would have been acceptable through your Son.  Thank you for His faithfulness and your gift to us at Christmas . . . and all year long.  Amen.”

 

 

 

 

Whether you are new to the Richmond area, looking for a church home, or simply curious, we're glad you found us. We are both a gathered and virtual community of believers seeking to serve the Christ we love and worship.

Sunday Morning Bible Study / Sunday School is offered every Sunday for adults, youth, children, preschoolers, and babies from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

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