I am not patronizing you by saying that you are a star and you are made to shine. Yes, you are a star, a wonder to the world because you are the work of the hand of an excellent God. He has made you with an intention, to reveal his glory to the world. You are uniquely made and you are to uniquely show forth his wisdom to the world. How is this possible?

No one is born empty, you are a full package so to speak. Embedded in you are gifts and potential that are needed to solve some problems and move the world forward. The earth is the Lord’s and his fullness thereof! He has made you as a blessing to the earth as the one created in his image.

Christ has come as the light of the world that whosever receive him can arise out of darkness (failure, sin, sickness, depression, addiction) and shine for the world to see. No more should you put yourself under any limitations if you have truly seen the light in Jesus. You can do all things through Christ that strengthens you.

Accept the responsibility of believing that you are God’s investment and you must work to bring forth profit with that investment! Work in diligence and commitment to your endeavour. Work in taking time for consistent study to know God’s will for you in his word (scriptures). Work in building your faith, absolute reliance on God’s promises in the midst of adversity and challenges. Your light as come, you must arise and shine!

Living is influencing not for self gratification. Yet living can not be stereotypic as there is no single way to how we all should serve our generation. Diversity is a necessity because we need a number of things to thrive and live a balanced life. For God’s kingdom to be fully expressed in every way, the manner in which we serve our generation must be different and this the Lord has made provision for. The Lord encaptured all his sons as a BODY ( joined to him as the head) to indicate that we are diverse things but with the same ultimate goal ( increase and perfection of all).

The best way to serve your generation is to do it by the will of God as it pertains to you. You don’t compare yourself with another man and put your feet in shoes that are not yours. God has laid down assignments for you at every season or phase of your life. When you and I take the right posture in alignment with what He requires us to do in our life seasons and we take responsibilities for it, be sure someone else is at the receiving end of your input. It doesn’t happen big at once but in bits by bits, you are influencing someone and serving your generation. The kingdom of God will grow, our life will thrive and the world will be better for it.

The way we tend to move with what is in vogue per time is not the best way to make tangible impact. In fact, this generation may have so many gaps unfilled and lifes imbalanced if we abandon our strategic positioning with proportionate functionality in destiny. As a son of God, wait on your assignment per time and seasons , pour self out on what he requires of you with his graces on your life and your potentials. There is no other better way to make your own impact and serve your generation but in the will of God for your life as an individual.

“For David, after he had SERVED his own generation by the WILL of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers.” Acts 13:36

Every child of God should understand that his new birth was not just a sudden event. It was pre-destined, divinely orchestrated long before the appearance of such individual on earth. The occurrence was just a confirmation and an opening into the embodiment of divine thoughts and agenda that necessitated the formation of such man at first in a human form. New birth reveals the Lord’s will that the man in question whoever he may be in shape, tribe or colour is another sent one from God, a man born of God, not of the will of man nor born of blood nor of the flesh (John 1:13). There is an opening for the expression of everything that is written concerning such man in particular in the template of God’s heart substantiated in his word, the scriptures. No wonder, the second adam, the first man in the new order of creation of the sent ones, being guided by the Holy spirit could turn over to where it written of him and openly acknowledge the intent of God who sent him regarding his birth into the earth realm. There is something written of every man saved and born of God. No one is exclusive, if only we all care to know.

Every one of us was called with an holy calling but according to the Lord’s purpose and grace ( Reference: 2 Timothy 1:9). There is a purpose to which you are called and a measure of grace released for it but we are all called with the same holy calling as (kings and priests) after the order of Jesus. You are a king and priest at the same time, that’s one of the new creation realities. The measure of grace only differs based on the assignment given to each part of the body. The fact remains that every member of the body has an assignment. Apostle Paul saying in Romans 12:4,

” For as we have MANY members in one body, and all members have NOT the SAME OFFICE:”

God’s agenda goes beyond just getting men saved but it includes establishing his kingdom in full expression everywhere and in all ways. When Christ was ascending back to heaven, he commissioned his disciples to teach all nations (global agenda) to observe all he has commanded (that is, give expression and demonstrate His own glorious ways).

We are many members differing in functionality and graces but the same goal is to exalt Jesus and express his kingdom in every way you can imagine. You are Christ’s witness in any aspect where you are positioned, like a fragrance, spreading the savour of the Lord’s knowledge. You should desire to know through revelation the Lord’s mind preceeding your conception that made him to choose you. As you get to know, you need to follow after it till that which you are engraced for is accomplished. “Following after” requires a lot of things which will be shared in the coming episodes. Till then, have a great week ahead.

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before”

Aside all that has been said thus far on this subject, there is another thing that can stir up our heart to have deep interest in specific areas where our own purpose lies. When you love someone, you are moved naturally to seek for things that you can do to add value to the person. True love seek the growth of those whom you claim you love . The same is our love for God, a personal profession of love.

I have found out that God’s love can agitate our heart to seek out for ways in which we can offer him pleasure and advance the things he stands for. In the midst of this natural and spontaneous “heart seeking” initiated by our love for him, the Lord blesses our heart with burdens that only our make up is fit to execute appropriately. When you can’t see loop holes that God’s accurate knowledge, glory or power can fix around you, you need to check your personal love level for the Lord.

We all still need to grow in our love for the Lord daily I agree, but some of us have stopped increasing in our love for him a long time before now. The Lord can easily share his burden with whom he knows has him at heart or think upon him. More importantly, the burdens he shares with you are the ones you can help him to lift so that his agenda can be accomplished.

The whole creation has been subjected to vanity and this was done by him who subjected it in HOPE. There is hope because there are SONS of God, who carry the mind and intent of God in their heart who will deliver the creation ( world system) from this corruption. When the prophecy was given about the destiny of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6-7, the latter part of that verse seven says;

“The zeal (passion) of the lord of host will perform this.”

Even Jesus needed passion (zeal) to fulfil his purpose for coming to the world. As God’s lover, you do not need to have a supernatural encounter except there’s a need for it or perhaps you have a higher calling BEFORE you discover your purpose for living. Let God be in all your thoughts and desires, as you love him passionately, your heart will soon be overwhelmed with zeal for your own specific assignment on earth and the people you are sent to.

If you realise your love for the Lord has been stagnated for a while, ask him to fill you with his love afresh, continue to grow it by abiding in his presence often. It is the cheapest way to KNOW AND BECOME WHAT LORD HAS MADE YOU FOR.

Passion is one of the clues to discovering our purpose in life. The things you love and hate most can guide you into knowing what you are made for. Moses had not yet encountered God personally when his passion for people and justice made him meddle in some Israelite folks’ matter even at the risk of his own luxuries as an adopted Prince. His passion for his people and hatred for injustice aligned with his purpose as Israelite’s leader out of oppression. Passion is such a directive, if cautiously considered.

In several occasions, people have trouble in identifying what they like and hate. I have interacted with people who told me that aside things like chatting, gisting or watching a movie they do not have deep interest in any other thing. When it also comes to what they hate passionately and will want to correct, there is no specific thing beyond the regular . It seems they lack passion for anything. So when passion seems to be missing, how do we deal with it?

There are many reason for seemingly missing passion and things to do to stir up the waters. But firstly, we need to discuss about some things that you need to know about passion that will guide us on this matter.

1. Passion is not only objective but can also be subjective. Some of us think you can only be passionate about things that you can substantiate. For example, singing can be substantiated in song record, writing in books, acting in dramas e.t.c On the other hand, activities such as counselling people may not be easily substantiated and so may not easily be recognised as passion. Your passion doesn’t have to be physically tangible, the zeal is the substance needed . 2 Corinthians 4:18

2. Passion grows and develop, so it can dwindle with time when you neglect it. Luke 13:7, Songs of Solomon 4: 4,5 .

3.True passion impacts and influence others. If what you claim you have passion for does God no good nor another man but just to give you pleasure, then it is out of context regarding what you are made for. You are God’s investment to bless the world, the blessing in you launches out through passion.

4. Passion is in your nature (make up) but it thrives only in good nurture. So, in a bad environment, it may not be feasible at all. If you are continously exposed to activities that can only give you pleasure such as games, watching a movie e.t.c, you may never find yourself loving anything that can impact others. The best nurture you can give your passion for it to become visible is through SERVICE. When you develop the mindset to serve someone else, help somebody out, you are cultivating your mind to tap into the riches embedded in you for humanity and God’s kingdom . Your interest/passion in purposeful things will show up. Jesus said in the scriptures ; ” I am among you as he that SERVES” Luke 22:27

To be continued…

Purpose is not our gifts and potentials. Bless God for gifts and potentials, when adequately developed can bring us before kings (Prov 18:16) . Many people have impacted lifes by investing and developing their innate gifts and potentials. Nevertheless, gifts/ potentials are not wholly purpose. To clarify this , I will make this illustration; A guy may have some potentials such as writing, singing and profound computer skill. It is a misconception to say his purpose in life is to be a writer, musician or a computer engineer because of his innate potentials . He could decide to build a career with any of these gifts, that’s okay. These gifts can also facilitate the fulfilment of his purpose but his purpose is more definite and bigger than the gifts.

For instance, his purpose may be to bring hope to the broken hearted , sort of an encourager whom the Lord had given a learned tongue to know how to speak to those who are cast down. In such a case, He could channel his writing gift in giving a message of hope to the depressed. He could also write songs often to increase people’s trust in the Lord. Then he may decide to use his computer skill to earn a living. All these gifts can work together for him towards fulfilling his own purpose and making a success out of him. They are like tools in the instrument box of purpose.

Everyone of us have different understanding of success. We all use different parameters to measure the rate of our success in life. It is appalling that the major yardstick that we now use globally to measure success is money while we leave all other things out of the box. We can achieve a measure of success (accomplishment) in our business/ profession but to outrightly say a man is successful because he is rich and has great possessions is just not true.

Money has been the most common parameter that we have been using to mark success in our society and this notion is corrupting our world the more. Money is good, I fully agree. I dislike poverty too because I know how much accomplishment or impact a purposeful man will make when he has enough money as at his disposal. Nevertheless, money should be considered as an instrument NOT A drive as we have it this day. It is quite pathetic that our youth’s only vision is to become a billionaire , build houses and travel round the world. This is what is presently driving our daily living. Most of us do not even have any meaningful thing that we want to do with the billions. There is no vision in our heart that the billions could aid its fulfilment.

As a result of lack of purpose, many youths are passionately after anything that they perceive can give them more relevance and worth in the society. Many have been pushed to do things that are uncalled for in the name of labouring to be rich. The word of God that admonishes us not to labour to be rich ( Proverbs 23:14) doesn’t mean we should not work to earn a living. It only means riches should not be our driving force for living and working. Influence and impact should rather be the goal and these will birth riches on their own. The mother of all influence is in a man’s purpose, the One discovered and fulfilled.

It is good we clarify the misconceptions that most of us have about purpose. Firstly, purpose is divine, it is cannot be proposed by any man. This means that it is not our self driven dreams (in terms of ambitions). It is the reason why God created you and I.

“Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:4-5.

God’s word to Jeremiah in the scripture above shows that no man can configure his own purpose , only the maker dictate the specific assignment of everyone. The major misconception for people from being intentional to discovering and fulfil their purpose is career. Most people are living with the wrong idea that their Job or career is what they are made for, that is, their reason for living. Rather our job or career is simply the work we do to earn a living, to foot our bills and fulfil our financial responsibilities.
Our potentials and talents can make us more suited for some occupation than the others. Nevertheless, this does not mean such professions are why we live.

Work cannot be seperated from life, every responsible man must certainly work. Though our work are avenues through which we can accomplish our purpose of existence but they are not our defined purpose in life. For example, a man whose purpose is to mentor and raise balanced leaders for generations and chose lecturing for a profession. Being a respected and profound lecturer , his job would grant him access to more youths and he could use that as a platform to develop good relationship with them in order to impact them. In such case, lecturing is his job, but his purpose is not to just lecture them on Physics 202 or sort of. His career can be a good platform to unleash his potentials towards the fulfilment of his purpose. In summary, Career and purpose are absolutely different. As you make efforts to succeed in what you do to earn a living, do not abadon why you are living in the first place (the reason God brought you into the world). You need to BALANCE these two subjects.

Purpose is not a hit and run thing, it is a reality that involves the work of process. The process of discovery, personal growth in preparation, coupled with investments and lots more. Aside your career, your purpose also deserves your attention, our living should be FRAGRANCE to the Lord and IMPACTFUL to the world not just to earn monthly pay roll . Purpose is what you are made for. To be continued..

To be continued

I will continue on this subject by reminding you again that it is God’s delight to make you more aware of yourself, the wonder that he has made you. Our ignorance of who we really are, our true relevance to him and the world is not his pleasure. Isaiah 45:11 as we have said before attests to this in his Word.

Self discovery can come through God’s word, his voice, the burdens and passion he puts in our heart. Nevertheless, there is a condition to meet before you can flow in this self discovery.

Because purpose is not for self gratification but to influence life and advance the manifestation of God’s kingdom in every sector, this condition is necessary to clearly access it.

The condition of utmost surrender to the Lord’s will is key. Jesus said except a corn of wheat falls to the ground and dies , it abides alone but when it dies, it bring forth much fruit (John 12:24). It is not a physical death that Christ was teaching here but our human will, control and choices. God’s will for each of us is our best to come if we can desire it above our own will. When you are receptive that his will ALONE be done in you and through you, the journey of self discovery becomes exciting!

This doesn’t make you a mediocre. On the contrary, it only helps you to sort your dreams and goals in terms of NEEDS and WANTS. So you can pursue the ones that are really needed with focus because most likely, these are those that are inspired by his Spirit living in you to fulfil your own mission on earth.

What to do next?

1.Renew your mind that God’s thought and will concerning you is entirely good and it’s your best to come.

2. Make it a daily confession that you will do only God’s will for your Life and ask for grace .

3. Give yourself to these self discovery tasks:

Use your gifts and potentials to serve him;

Befriend God’s word ;

Pay attention to your passion and burdens laid in your heart.;

Before you take responsibility for these passion and burdens ;

Pray about them and talk to your mentor or guardian first;

Learn, grow and your purpose will soon be defined!

Purpose is not ambigous nor complex. It is not a philosophy that suit some and not work for the other. Though not everybody is called to be at the frontline and the responsibilities demanded from each individual is different. Nevertheless, no one is NEGLIGIBLE nor INSIGNIFICANT regarding purpose. You are important to God. As small as buttons are , when you lose all the buttons of your shirts, you will realise it is a big deal because they have their own roles.

Purpose is not exclusive to ministers of God but rather consistent to every man made by God. It is not just a call to be a pastor or any of the five fold ministry, that’s a misconception. You can be a workman with God in his transformation agenda without ever being ordained nor near the pulpit. Yet purpose can’t be presumed, it is divine. So, God is and must be involved. It will ever be ambiguous to a man who does not know the Lord . God is not the God of the dead but of the living, you need to have eternal life ( the life Jesus only offers) before you can truly live and fulfil purpose. It will continue to be a wander in the dark until light comes and show the way. Man will ever need God ! Any motivation against this truth is a vain philosophy.

Painfully , you can still be saved and be far from the Lord’s will concerning you. You can be totally out of track1. It is not meant to be complex. The Lord wants to involve you and I with the plans and thoughts he has for us. See what the scripture says;

Isaiah 45:11:
“Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.”

I think this is why he decorated us with gifts and potentials so that they could be pointers and aid to our purpose on earth. He didn’t leave us without some clues. Purpose comes enveloped with passion and graces for ease.

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Ephesians 4:7

The underlying truth remains that purpose becomes EASIER to access when it is a man’s DELIGHT to do God’s will ABOVE his own personal desires. Until this is settled in your heart, you will continue to see only YOU in the picture of your Life, your dreams, goals and achievement whereas your life is meant to give God pleasure. Purpose on the other hand bring God into the picture not just you anymore. You become a man on a mission. Living intentionally; God and man partnership begins. When your heart is right, his will for you as a person can easily be accessed. To be continued..

Relevance or worth is like second breathe to man’s existence. Every man wants to be relevant not necessarily famous. When God made man, he crowned him with honour, it’s just in our nature.When a man becomes overwhelmed with the thought that he has no more worth or slightest relevance, he is tempted to stop his own existence. It can get that bad! Self awareness of our relevance or worth brings us satisfaction. It is the quest for this satisfaction that drives us to have dreams, goals and give our best to things such as career, academics, financial success, marriage e.t.c. They are all in a bid to remain relevant in the community, AREN’T THEY ?

However, man’s greatest honour and satisfaction is experienced by living to do what he was made for. The scripture says a man that dwells in honour but knows not nor abide in his own honour will feel like a beast (Psalm 49:20). When there is no vision, a clear perception of what you are here for, you will still feel out of place someday somehow after accomplishing all your self driven goals. Your cause for existence NEVER becomes out dated till you fulfil the number of your days. Purposeful men don’t seek nor demand recognition, acceptance or respect from others but men must surely honour them . Your cup does not strife to be on your table as long as it remains a cup and keep being a good cup .

Stop wandering to keep up with relevance or acceptance from people all the time. A new job, marriage, luxury are fine but will not just suffice. If only you know your importance among over seven billion people in the universe, you will enjoy your existence as you stay in position fulfilling your own purpose.

Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no VISION, the people PERISH: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

YOU HAVE A DEFINITE PURPOSE TO FULFIL AND YOUR RELEVANCE IS TIED DOWN TO IT.