Living Out Our Purpose

We have but one life. Decision, and the way we live out that life has value and purpose.

Phil 1:27-30 & Eph 4:1-7

God calls us to live for him with all our being, our will, our determination and passion.

In the movie, Saving Private Ryan, a squad of American soldiers under the command of Captain Miller are given the almost impossible task of finding Private Ryan in the weeks after the D Day landings. Ryan’s three brothers have been killed in action, and the War Department had decided for the family’s sake, that the fourth brother needed to be found and returned home.

Over the weeks that follow, Miller’s squad face many dangers finding Ryan who is in the thick of the fighting. One by one Millers’ squad are killed and in the final scene after finding Ryan, they engage in a battle that sees Miller fatally wounded. Captain Miller’s last words to Ryan were, “Earn this!” Live a life worthy of the sacrifices given to save you.” Ryan returns home and lives his life. Many years later the film ends with the elderly Ryan and his family at the graveside of Captain Miller. Ryan asks his wife, "Have I lived a good life? Have I lived a life worthy?”

We have but one life. Decision and the way we live out that life has value and purpose. Paul writes to the Ephesian church this amazing truth of salvation: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

(Eph 2:4-5 NIV)

We cannot earn our salvation, that has been given through the love of God and the work of Christ. But because of that love and gift, God calls us to live for him with all our being, our will, our determination and passion. And his Spirit enables us, so we can’t take the credit. Paul writes: As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Eph 4:1 NIV)

Don’t drift through life with God the thing we do on a Sunday. You are called—Follow me. I am with you. Live for me! That life is marked with humility, gentleness, patience, bear with one another in love, unity, service and building each other up.

Hear the call upon you today and live a life worthy of the love and gift you have received from Jesus.

God bless

Pastor Stephen