Purpose Defined
Dear Friends,
A few years ago, our daughter and her family were visiting from out of state. One of her children was getting so sick she chose to make an emergency room visit. After calling a friend who works there, we were met with not only medical help but a friend. We chatted for a while, then the nurse said something very important, "I am not here to be a friend but to get him well." Then she pulled out two syringes and thrust the needles into the chubby little thighs bringing about extra noise to the emergency room, but also bringing help to the little one.
Many times, we do not do what we should do because we are stuck on being nice or friendly, or striving to avoid hurting people. In reality, we have forgotten our purpose.
In each situation, we must know our purpose. Why are we here? What is our duty or role?
Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
vs. 36 “And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.”
vs. 37 “And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.”
vs 38 “And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.”
Jesus had risen before the sun to pray. Peter found Him to tell Him how many people were waiting to see Him; Peter assumed Jesus would come straight to the crowds. Instead, Jesus pointed out the reason for all actions, "...for therefore came I forth." There was a reason Jesus came, and that reason had to motivate His every action. In this case, Jesus came to preach all over the area, not just to stay in one little village and preach. It is the same for all of us. The father has a responsibility to provide for his family, therefore, he must work. He has children to raise, a marriage to nurture, and a church in which to serve. Many things motivate our actions, but few are based on feelings.
Jesus explained the events to come and that His life would be forfeited. Peter did not think that was a good idea at all; Peter had his own idea of what was good and bad.
Matthew 16:22 “Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.”
vs. 23 “But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.”
Peter was thinking like a man and loving the things a man would love; rather than thinking like God. Peter simply did not want Jesus to have to die. Was that so bad? But Jesus said, "...for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." God had a will that had to be fulfilled.
Jesus called him "Satan." Anyone who tries to prevent us from doing the will of God is satanic. This principle fits with countless areas of life from disciplining children to reading our Bibles. Some things are right; the subject is not up for debate.
Rarely, have young people had serious trouble in our school, but it has happened. When the young person finds himself in the principal's office, tears of remorse are often present (not because of physical discipline; we do not do that). Our principal, having done this job for decades, is not moved at all by tears. Someone’s crying is no reason to change your course of action. Regarding children, Proverbs 19:18 says, "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying.” Crying should not convince you to change your course of action.
Crying reporters should have ZERO effect on legislation. Loud cries of hired protestors should carry no weight at all in political situations. Children, still underage to vote, should be told to stay out of politics until they have reached the age at which their opinion is respected. We have a system of legislation that allows the majority to rule when votes reach a certain point. Screaming people do not or should not overrule the will of the populace. (With a Constitutional Republic, the majority should not overrule the rights of the individual either, but that is another subject.) In summary, feelings, emotions, tragic situations, and hurt to some or many does not change the necessity of doing right each day.
Capital punishment is right because God says it is right, but it is also right because our legal system says it is right. The fact that a life is being taken as punishment is not reason enough NOT to administer justice. Some people commit deeds worthy of death. To allow emotions to rule in a courtroom, a classroom, or the baby's room is wrong. We are a people of laws and rules, both as Americans and as Christians. Emotion is good but must always be subject to right and reason. Why are we here? What is our duty? What are our obligations? These questions ought to dictate our daily lives.
For a mother to homeschool her children requires her to step out of her "mom" shoes and put on “teacher” shoes. Switching roles is not easy, and many people cannot do it. For a busy manager to be a good husband, he needs to determine when he is to be "husband" and not answer the phone from work. When one child requires extra care, a wise parent must not neglect the other children because of the one’s special needs. Each child needs mom and dad, and each one needs unique training; duty may cause you to step away from the needy child so as to fulfill your responsibility toward the other children. Yes, you are in college and dating, but you have to pay your bills, pass your classes, and walk with God. To allow one responsibility to create failure in another area is folly.
Each day, a mom needs to prayerfully ask God, "What am I to do today?" Each college student or father needs to ask the same question; life is far too complicated to allow our actions to be determined by the feelings and emotions of the hour.
Pastor