For This I Was Born

1. You Were Born for a Greater Cause: Embrace Your Divine Purpose

For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world.

Divine design. You were created by God with a specific purpose in mind. This purpose transcends your family background, upbringing, or past mistakes. It's a calling that's greater than yourself, one that resonates from heaven and has eternal significance.

Eternity in your heart. God has planted a sense of eternity in every human heart. This divine imprint gives meaning and direction to your life, influencing your choices and decisions. By embracing this greater cause, you can impact not only your own life but also the lives of those around you.

Living beyond yourself. When you understand that you're alive for a purpose bigger than yourself, it changes how you approach life:

• You see challenges as opportunities for growth
• You view your talents and resources as tools for serving others
• You live with an eternal perspective, making decisions based on their long-term impact

2. The Local Church: God's Vehicle for Transformation

Only the name of Jesus brings answers, freedom, and true fulfillment to people.

Community of believers. The local church is more than just a building or a Sunday gathering. It's a dynamic, living organism designed by God to be a powerful influence in the world. It's through the local church that lives are changed, communities are impacted, and the kingdom of God advances.

Beacons of light. Churches that truly exalt Jesus Christ and bring the power of the gospel to people in a relatable way are growing and thriving. These churches become beacons of hope in their communities, offering:

• A loving family for the isolated
• Support for those facing life's challenges
• Celebration of life's milestones and achievements
• Opportunities for personal growth and service

Being planted. There's power in being rooted in a local church. When you're planted, you:

• Receive nourishment for your faith
• Find opportunities to use your gifts
• Experience the support of a spiritual family
• Contribute to something greater than yourself

3. Aligning Your Vision with God's Cause

A vision without a cause is little more than a set of personal goals.

Vision with purpose. While having personal goals is important, aligning your vision with God's cause gives it greater power and sustainability. When your vision is tied to something greater than yourself, it becomes:

• More resilient in the face of challenges
• More impactful, reaching beyond just your own life
• More fulfilling, as it serves a greater purpose

Cause-driven living. Living for God's cause means:

• Your vision becomes a part of something eternal
• You're willing to make sacrifices for something greater
• Your impact extends far beyond what you could achieve alone

Expanding horizons. When your vision is aligned with God's cause:

• It takes you beyond your own limitations
• It opens doors you never imagined
• It allows you to be part of something that outlasts your own lifetime

4. Discovering and Using Your God-Given Talents

What is in your hand? This is the question God asked of Moses.

Recognizing your gifts. God has given each person unique gifts and talents. These are not just for personal benefit, but are meant to be used for His purposes. Identifying and developing these gifts is crucial to fulfilling your divine calling.

Stewardship, not ownership. Your talents are a gift from God, entrusted to you for a purpose. This perspective shifts how you view and use your abilities:

• You see them as tools for serving others, not just for personal gain
• You feel a responsibility to develop and use them wisely
• You're more willing to step out of your comfort zone to use them

Starting where you are. Using what's in your hand means:

• Being faithful with the opportunities right in front of you
• Not despising small beginnings
• Trusting that God will open doors as you're faithful with what you have

5. The Blessing of Hard Work in Pursuing Your Calling

Everything about God is purposeful.

Divine design for work. God created humans with a work ethic, reflecting His own nature as a worker. When approached with the right perspective, work becomes:

• A means of fulfilling your divine purpose
• An opportunity for personal growth and character development
• A way to impact others and glorify God

Beyond mere toil. Hard work in pursuit of God's calling is different from mere toil:

• It's energized by a sense of divine purpose
• It's sustained by the knowledge that you're building something eternal
• It's rewarded not just in this life, but in eternity

Embracing the process. The blessing of hard work includes:

• Developing perseverance and resilience
• Learning to trust God through challenges
• Experiencing the satisfaction of seeing God's purposes unfold through your efforts

6. Living on Purpose: Prioritizing God's Kingdom

The secret of living a life of purpose is living for something bigger than you are.

Kingdom-first living. When you prioritize God's kingdom, everything else falls into place. This means:

• Seeking God's will in all areas of life
• Making decisions based on eternal values
• Using your resources (time, talents, finances) for God's purposes

Unified life purpose. Living on purpose eliminates the compartmentalization of life:

• Your work, family, church, and personal life all serve one overarching purpose
• You find greater harmony and less internal conflict
• Your life has a clear direction and focus

Transformative impact. A life lived on purpose:

• Influences others by example
• Brings hope and answers to a hurting world
• Leaves a lasting legacy that extends beyond your lifetime

7. Prosperity with a Purpose: Stewardship for God's Glory

Prosperity is not just about you; it is not just about greed and selfishness.

Biblical prosperity. True prosperity goes beyond financial wealth. It encompasses:

• Spiritual growth and maturity
• Healthy relationships
• Physical well-being
• Resources to bless others and advance God's kingdom

Stewardship mindset. Viewing prosperity through the lens of stewardship means:

• Recognizing that all blessings come from God
• Using resources wisely and generously
• Seeking opportunities to make a positive impact

Multiplication principle. God blesses those who use what they're given for His purposes:

• Faithfulness in small things leads to greater responsibilities
• Generosity opens the door for increased blessings
• Using your gifts multiplies their impact

8. Surrendering Self to Serve Christ's Cause

Self occupies the part of you that Christ wants to occupy.

Death to self. Surrendering to Christ's cause requires putting aside self-centeredness:

• Letting go of personal agendas and ambitions
• Embracing God's will, even when it's challenging
• Allowing Christ to live through you

Freedom in surrender. Paradoxically, surrendering to Christ leads to true freedom:

• You're no longer bound by the limitations of self
• You tap into God's unlimited resources and power
• You find your true identity and purpose in Christ

Practical surrender. Living a surrendered life involves:

• Daily choosing God's will over your own
• Being willing to step out of your comfort zone
• Seeing every aspect of life as an opportunity to serve God

9. Living with Conviction in a Compromising World

Living for the cause of Christ is all about choosing life in all its fullness and living every day for that purpose.

Unshakeable foundation. Strong convictions based on God's Word provide:

• Stability in the face of life's challenges
• Clarity in decision-making
• A powerful testimony to others

In the world, not of it. Living with conviction means:

• Influencing the world rather than being influenced by it
• Standing firm on biblical principles, even when unpopular
• Being an agent of positive change in your sphere of influence

Tested and proven. Convictions that stand the test of time:

• Are rooted in a personal relationship with Christ
• Are strengthened through trials and challenges
• Lead to a life of integrity and purpose

10. Commitment: The Key to Fulfilling Your Divine Destiny

When Jesus is your priority, he holds your life together.

Unwavering dedication. True commitment to Christ's cause means:

• Persevering through difficulties and setbacks
• Staying focused on the eternal, not just the temporal
• Being willing to sacrifice for something greater

Prioritizing the kingdom. Commitment is demonstrated through:

• How you spend your time and resources
• What occupies your thoughts and conversations
• The choices you make in daily life

Fruitful living. A life of commitment to Christ's cause results in:

• A sense of fulfillment and purpose
• Positive impact on others and society
• A legacy that extends beyond your lifetime

Last updated: October 24, 2024