Our Purpose

By Lance Cordle

     An interesting phenomenon is occurring across North America this winter. Individuals and groups are making some things to help those who are cold and in need. The things are scarves and they are turning up in unusual places—wrapped around trees, fire hydrants, light poles, hanging on fences, etc. On a fire hydrant, a note inside the scarf read: “I AM NOT LOST! If you need this to stay warm, then please take it. It is yours. Be warm, and do something to help someone else today if you can.” (Good Samaritans leave scarves out for the homeless in Canadian, U.S. cities, Yahoo News, January 5, 2017)
     Another scarf, wrapped around a parking meter contained a note that said, “I’m not lost. If you are cold, I’m yours. I was made for you to take.” (Ibid.) “Made for you to take”—the scarves “knew” their purpose and were in the process of fulfilling that purpose. From around the country, it is reported that the scarves are gone within hours of being put out.
     The Lord Jesus knew His purpose while He was on this earth and went about doing it. He said, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost”  (Luke 19:10 ESV). He also said to God, “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4). The writer of Hebrews summarized  the mission of Jesus by quoting Psalm 40:6-8, part of which says, “Behold I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book” (Hebrews 10:7).
     Those  who follow God also have a clearly stated purpose. In the Old Testament, the statement is made: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). In the New Testament, Paul says, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). With so many people looking for meaning to their life, why not help them see the purpose God has for all of us and help them fulfill it?

- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City Church of Christ in Calvert City, KY.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com