struggle.

My selfishness v. God's purpose.

"It's 6,783,421,727 and counting. As I write this chapter, this is the population of the world. According to the most liberal estimates, approximately one-third of the world is Christian.  These estimates include all who identify themselves as Christian, whether religiously, socially, or politically.  Likely, not all of them are actually followers of Christ.  But even if we assume they are, that still leaves 4.5 billion people who, if the gospel is true, at this moment are separated from God in their sin and (assuming nothing changes) will spend an eternity in hell.

Again, 4.5 billion."

-from Radical by David Platt

     Let me tell you about my biggest struggle; My selfishness v. God's purpose.  In the past year or so I have come to a place where I believe the Bible has God's purpose written in it.  If you were to ask me if the words that Jesus spoke were meant to be taken literal or metaphorical, I would say literal.  Meaning, I believe that we [if you are a follower of Christ] are meant to literally do the things Jesus said. 

     Jesus spoke, and still speaks, with more authority than anyone in the history of this world.  He spoke with authority having the Glory of God in mind.  This was his main objective; to have God [his father] glorified in all that he spoke and in all that he did.  He was very intentional in this and always knew God's purpose as he lived here on Earth. With knowing that, I have to believe that every word he spoke was very intentional as well.

     Enter: my biggest struggle.  I am selfish.  I do what is comfortable for me out of fear that God's purpose is not what is best for me.  I look God in the face and say, "NO."  I make excuses that I am "figuring" things out, when really I am sitting around waiting for something to grab my attention so I can ignore God's purpose a little longer and with less of a burden.  I believe in what Jesus said but I do not carry it out.  So do I fully trust in God?  I will have to say no, simply because of my actions.

     I put that paragraph from David Platt's book at the top because of the scripture I am about to share with you.  It is scripture [if you have been a Christian for any length of time] you have most likely heard before.  It is one of those things Jesus said that I don't believe he meant to be taken any other way than literal. You see, God has a purpose.  It's for everyone who is a follower of Christ and it is bigger than a "calling."  It looks different for everyone, though it does not change.  I have not figured out how it looks for you or the other third of the world that are Christians, but I believe the Holy Spirit can reveal that to us. So, here it is:

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

-Jesus from Matthew 28:18-20

     Intentional. I don't claim to do this.  That is why I shared with you my struggle.  I still believe this is God's purpose for all.  I believe this brings God the glory that is already his.  It's a statement where Jesus says, I have commanded and taught you these things [The Gospel] so that you can go out to the world and teach them what I have taught you, for the Glory of God. 

     Again, I don't know what this looks like in YOUR life, but I can't deny it being God's purpose. Know God so that you can make God known.  And He will be with you always, to the end of the age.

God, instill this in my heart and the hearts of my friends and family.  Holy Spirit you're the counselor that is promised to us, counsel us in the words of Jesus.  Humble us. Receive your Glory.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.