Living Purposefully

March 13, 2020

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:5-6 NLT

Our mission, purpose, and actions in life flow from the things we think about. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we begin to think about the things that please God. Those thoughts consistently direct us to a new purpose and mission.

Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” That’s the overall purpose of God that comes alive in us through the Holy Spirit. Through the course of our lives, as we walk in obedience, the Holy Spirit will lead us to new opportunities. The way we fulfill His good pleasure may change over time. Jobs, locations, kinds of service can change, but the purpose will always be to please God and fulfill the mission.

Two areas of purpose will always be evident no matter what shape your vocation and opportunities take. First, the Holy Spirit will always work with us to restrain evil and darkness in the world. Spirit-filled believers act assalt. Salt was a preservative in ancient times. To be salt means to stand up for what is right and true and to be an active force against rampant evil in our culture by our lives. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Matthew 5:13

Secondly, Spirit-filled believers find their purpose in being light to the world. Through all we do and say, we witness to others. Through the good works we do and the words we say, we bring glory to God and share the power of Jesus with others. The way we supernaturally live will cause us to shine like stars in the world! “…that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” Philippians 2:15-16

This is the way the Holy Spirit enables us to live purposefully. We get significance and satisfaction as we do.

  • Pray and ask God how you can fulfill His good purpose for this day in your life.
  • Determine through the power of the Spirit to be salt and light in every situation this week.