I'm confused, which may not be big news for you, since you figured this out a while ago. There seems to be a glaring contradiction in the Bible.
At one point, John wrote this:
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him (1 John 2:27).
All right, I have no need for anyone to teach me, according to John.
Yet Paul wrote this:
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11).
Paul declares that teachers are in the "big five." One wrote I don't need a teacher; the other stated that teachers were critical to my development as a believer. Which one is correct? How can we resolve this contradiction? To find out, of course you must read on.
JOHN WAS RIGHT
John wrote his letter to some who had teachers telling them that Jesus was not the Christ. John identified those teachers are liars, telling the reader that they knew better. The "anointing" inside them taught them and bore witness that Jesus was indeed who He said He was. There were some things, according to John, that believers knew just because the truth was in them. They had no need for anyone to confirm or teach them.
One of those things that believers "know," in my experience, is the truth about their purpose. No one can give or assign you a purpose. It is in you and, when you hear or see it, it rings true. I would say it is part of the "anointing" that John refers to, for it is something that is personal and directly assigned by the Lord Himself.
Yet your purpose increases your need for the church and the "big five," which includes pastors and teachers. You can't stand alone once you find what only you can find and know -- your purpose.
PAUL WAS RIGHT, TOO.
As usual, there is no contradiction in the Bible on this point. There are some things you know, like your purpose, but there are other things you need to learn, like doctrine, right behavior and values. Your purpose sets you apart, but your need for coaches, mentors and teachers makes you part of a team, and that team is often found in the church. This doesn't mean that your purpose isn't relevant in the world of business, medicine or education. It just means that you won't be as effective as you could be if you don't embrace those in the church who are assigned to instruct and guide you in the ways of God.
I hope you aren't waiting around for someone to tell you what your purpose. That is something only you can find out and only you can recognize when it comes. At the same time, if you know your purpose, I hope you are a part of a team that can help equip and train you to be effective and relevant. Purpose is personal but your expression is not, and that's where some miss it. Often no one can help you find your purpose but many can help you fulfill it.
I have written in the past about your need for a personal board of directors, people who are living or dead who can train and teach you. (I have included below a past memo that discussed this issue.) Who is on your board of directors? Who inspires you to better performance? Who challenges you to grow and develop? Who helps clarify your values and then helps insure that you live them? This would be a good week to first clarify your purpose and then to recognize and maybe even formalize your team of teachers and mentors who give you life and direction. Make a list of who they are, or make a list of who you would like them to be. Don't be confused, however, about their role. Only you can find your purpose but only they can help make it all that God wants it to be. Have a great week!
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Feel free to join the debate on my blog. The question there is, "Can you give your way to prosperity?" I've already received some that I am sure you will want to see. I hope you will add yours to the discussion.
Download Memo on personal board of directors: Memo 169.doc
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