Purpose, Passion, Process, Provision

I ran across this tonight while browsing through some things I've written over the years. This is from 2009. I didn't spend much time reviewing it for syntax and grammar. I hope it's ok. Let me know your thoughts.

Purpose

If there is no reason for the actions you take, the results you get will not make much sense; even if the results are favorable.  The old adage states, “If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time.”  The only way to measure the effectiveness of any action is for it to begin with purpose.  There is no need to over-dramatize that word.  If you sit down to watch a football game or your favorite decorating show, you have purpose in doing so: entertainment, knowledge, support a friend or family member, etc.  The same is true for the noble actions you could attempt.  Starting a company, running for elected office, or starting a family also have purpose.

If you begin each task with a stated purpose then you know when the task has been completed.  Either the task will be completed successfully or you miss the objective.  The consequences may be major, minor, or none at all; but realize there can be consequences.  Making a plan will be covered later, but purpose must be at the genesis of any effort; otherwise it is just meaningless activity.

The Shorter Catechism says, “The chief end of man is love God and worship Him forever.”  There can be no denying that is certainly a worthy aspiration.  However, living that out can be a challenge because of the difficulty in defining “loving God” and “worshiping Him.”  I like what Paul shares in Ephesians when he instructs us that “we are predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ.”  You and I were created to become like Christ.  As it has been said, “Read the red.”  Find out what Jesus said and did.  Then with the help of the Holy Spirit, determine that conforming to the image of Jesus will be your purpose, your destiny, for the rest of your life.

Passion

When pursuing a purpose, the amount of drive to reach a successful outcome is determined by your level of passion.  Again a time-tested axiom says, “If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right.”  Passion will determine your commitment to the quality and completeness with which you approach any task.  Using the previous example, if you sit down to watch a football game, you passion will determine whether you watch the whole game.  If your favorite team is on, then your level of passion will be higher than for two teams outside of your conference.  If you are watching a decorating show, you must see the entire project described in order to replicate it.  Your level of passion will determine whether you take notes or TIVO the program.

Jesus demonstrated the essence of passion with His life.  Everything He encountered was filtered through a view of the cross.  The passion Jesus had for the purpose God had given Him directed every action toward its completion.  From the earliest recorded exchange Jesus had with the priests in the temple when He was only ten years old, to His submitting to being crucified at thirty-three years old, His motivation was to complete the mission of reconciling us to Father.  That is passion!

Process

Once you decide on a task that you are motivated to pursue, you will need a detailed process in order to be certain you complete it effectively.  Another statement of wisdom is “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”  Proverbs tells us, “The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord.”  Steps, not “arrival to arrival”.  All of us like the results of hard work, we just do not care for the hard work.

Events are wonderful.  You just show up and enjoy the happening.  Did you ever consider the amount of effort, the process, if you will, that someone had to walk out in order for you to enjoy the “event”?  Consider a musical show.  Each musician or singer possibly spent years developing their craft.  Promoters gathered the financial backing to secure the venue, paying deposits to the performers, arranging for sound and lighting, security, and the list goes on.  Then advertising went out to inform you that for a small sum of money, you can enjoy an evening of wonderful entertainment.

There is always a process involved whether you participate in it or not.  The Kingdom of God is an example of the ultimate process.  Before time began, God made a way for you to know Him and have fellowship with Him forever.  It would only make sense that He would desire us to live our lives intentionally, not just letting it happen.

Provision

If … then.  We learned that from the time we could comprehend language, verbal or otherwise.  Touch the trinket on the shelf and our hand gets slapped.  Do your homework and you get good grades.  Exceed the posted speed-limit and pay the fine.  There are always consequences to actions.  Even physics tells us that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  The result of a process is the provision.  Provision is two-fold: what is needed for the journey, and the prize that awaits the completion of the purpose.

Pastor E. M. “Doc” Shell once said, “Everything we have need of is found in seeking the Lord.”  That is provision for the journey.  We can experience God’s provision – not only “in the sweet by and by”, but right now!  Lepers/David (battle)/Gideon/etc.

Scripture is filled with references to the provision God has in store for us if we will pursue the purpose He has planned for us, with the passion He inspires us to, through the process that He has established.  Paul described it as “running the race”, “reaching for the prize”, “fighting the good fight”, “finishing the course.”  That provision is, of course, heaven.  Receive the salvation available through the sacrifice of Jesus and you will have eternal life with Father in His heaven.