Purpose, Redefined!

Purpose, Redefined!

For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. Colossians 1:16 AMPC

As a new year starts in just a few hours, I am reminded again of the undeniable greatness of the One called God, who has called me to himself and introduces himself to me as God. The word IN is used, not BY. So, I exist IN God. That's deep. My life, experiences, personality, quirks and all find expression IN God. IN shows possession, ownership and identity. If I am IN God, I am called and known by His name alone.

BY may show activity without any commitment and ALL THINGS leave out nothing at all. It then means that there is nothing in this present earthly life that can offer eternal comfort. Men fight and kill each other just for temporary, earthly gain, yet nothing down here satisfies the void only God can fill. If I understand that I am IN God, nothing outside of God can take his place in my heart. Nothing else will work.

There are many phases of this world that are not visible to the physical eyes. There are phases of authorities, yet there is only one Supreme God, who reigns and rules over them all. The world seeks after the lower authorities, and indeed, they are very powerful. In fact, Paul refers to one of the phases of authority as 'spiritual wickedness in heavenly places'. Their promises are sweet to the ears of those who do not know or understand who they are or belong to, and the consequences of such choices are always fatal and eternal. The end of trusting the highest authority is a life of meaning, purpose and direction. So, which one do you think you should submit to?

From God's perspective, think of it this way: if something exists only IN me and for my pleasure, it means I determine its lifespan, its impact and its sphere of influence and control. I determine how far it can go. That thing had better give me pleasure, by pursuing the things I ask it to, and doing the things that point other people to me; after all, that is the whole purpose of man: to give God pleasure. If I do not know my purpose, abuse is inevitable, but judgment too is inevitable. Am I living a life that shows off God? His time of favour is here.