I am off today for Zambia, but not before having had a great time here in Johannesburg. Last night I spoke at Hatfield Christian Church North. Of course, I took the opportunity to talk about purpose and, judging by the response after the service, I think it went very well. Last Saturday I did a seminar for Glen McQuirk, author of the popular Map 4 Life, and some of his Purpose Club members. That also went well. I am amazed that I have made my purpose presentation on more than 1,000 occasions in 25 countries and it's still as relevant and fresh as when I first began in 1991.
Why? I think because God is a God of purpose. He wants you to know His will for you cannot be accountable to do something of which you aren't aware. What's more, God wants you to fulfill your purpose more than you do--that's why you're still here. I have the privilege talking about something that is close to God's heart and important to God's people. That combination has made the last 15 years of purpose work most enjoyable.
I was reminded last night as I spoke that most people don't know their purpose for two reasons. First, they have not asked and kept on asking. Second, they don't recognize it even when it's right in front of them. It's not that they lack intelligence; it's just that they have been conditioned to think a certain way and that thinking often works against knowing purpose. Let's look at the second reason for a moment.
I have found that most people are looking for something that is complex and deep. Most purpose statements aren't like that at all. On Saturday, we took time in the seminar to look at one woman's purpose. She didn't see how she could find one purpose statement from the many activities that she enjoyed. I put all the activities on the board and then she made a simple statement that held the key to why she did everything on that board--she cared deeply to see people "get better."
I don't know if that is her exact purpose statement, for I never assign or define purpose for anyone. That is between them and God. I strongly urged her, however, to pray about that simple statement--"I help people get better." That's simple but profound.
Then I met with a man yesterday at lunch who told me he didn't know his purpose. He went on to tell me that he knew about what he was passionate: "I like to bring people to Jesus." I listened and then said, "I think your purpose is to bring people to Jesus." He was surprised. We went on to talk about how he does that in many ways, and I left him with something to think about. It was something he already knew, however, but he just couldn't see it for what it is.
The same may be true for you. Your purpose may be right there and you're walking all around it, trying to give it a name other than what it is. If so, don't make it complicated. Walk in the light that you have today and go with it. If you love, then love is your purpose. If you pray, then consider prayer. If you love to laugh, then why not adopt joy as your purpose?
I feel like I am entering a new phase of purpose teaching. My most recent seminars and one-on-one sessions have been unusually clear and helpful. If you, your family or your organization would benefit from such clarity, then write me and let's schedule some time together in the coming year. You've read and listened to the purpose message. Why not let 2007 be the year of purpose for you and yours as you work not necessarily to find your purpose, but to renew your way of thinking so you can recognize the purpose that is probably already there. If I can help you with that glorious and important quest, please let me know. In the meantime, have a great week!
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