DO YOU RECOGNIZE YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE?

Dearly Beloved, DO YOU RECOGNIZE YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE? “John answered, saying to all, ‘I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandals I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire’” (Luke 3:16 NKJV). One of the sayings of Rick Warren that fascinates me is, “Knowing your purpose gives meaning to your life. We were made to have meaning. When life has meaning, you can bear almost anything; without it, nothing is bearable.” This is very applicable to John the Baptist as reflected in the Bible verse above. The people of Israel were in a period of uncertainty under the cruel leadership of the Romans. They were expecting the promised Messiah that would deliver them from this political bondage. Seeing John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness and baptizing people in the River Jordan made them to speculate whether he was the expected Saviour. Nonetheless, he recognized his calling, and he did not hesitate to disclose this to the people. Instead of pointing people to himself, he pointed them to Jesus Christ who would come after him. He made them realize that his baptism was the baptism of repentance, but the baptism of Jesus Christ goes beyond repentance. His baptism was physical, but Jesus’ baptism is spiritual. His baptism was a symbol of physical purification and cleansing. The Spirit of Christ cleanses and purifies the heart just as fire clears out the dross that is within, and melts down the metal, that it may be cast into a new mould. John the Baptist understood this in relation to his ministry and calling, and he was content with it. He even said further, “[Jesus Christ] must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30 NKJV). In everything he did, he pointed people to Jesus Christ. Recognizing your calling and ministry will enable you to humble yourself and exalt Jesus Christ in your life. This will make other people to see Jesus in you and in what you are doing. Do you know your purpose in life? Do you recognize your unique ministry? Are you humble enough to point people to Jesus Christ instead of yourself? Recognize why you are here on earth, and use your life to glorify God. If you have not known the purpose why you are existing, or recognize your unique ministry or calling in life, take some specific steps like thinking and praying to recognize your purpose in life. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: O Lord, let me recognize why You created me, and let me use my life to glorify You.