Purposed to be …. Like Jesus.

“That is, in Christ, he chose us before the world was made so that we would be his holy people—people without blame before him.” Ephesians 1:4 NCV

“God knew them before he made the world, and he chose them to be like his Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers and sisters.” Romans 8:29 NCV

I have been thinking a lot  about purpose. What is my purpose? What is God’s plan for my life?

So many people are wandering this earth in search of meaning. They desire their lives to count, to matter. Everyone has a different idea about what makes life meaningful. Some would say that it is having success in business, rising to the top of your field or earning an income that reflects what you believe yourself to be worth. Others may see it as having a large family a house filled with beautiful children that makes what you do matter. Still others think that maybe fame is what will truly satisfy the desire deep within that longs to be more than just another person who lives and dies.

Christians speak often of purpose as well. We were created for a purpose. We were created for more. We were created and purposed for great things. We have a destiny.

I don’t disagree with these things. In fact, I very much agree that God has a plan and purpose for your life that is beyond anything you would think or imagine. However, I also believe that all too often when we read God’s word and his promises for us we insert our interpretation of good, prosper, meaning, purpose and success into the text.

In Ephesians it says we are purposed to be holy, set apart, different, completely other. In Romans it says we were chosen to be like Jesus.

I can’t speak to God’s plan for your life. Our Father is personal and the plans that he has for each of us are unique and individual, tailor made to who he has created each of us to be.

But, I can speak to who Jesus was on this earth and is now in heaven. In Isaiah he was prophesied to be someone that didn’t stand out physically. His life was marked by a compassionate out pouring for the crowds that followed him. Did he have fame- in a way. Was he rich? Not really. Was he something to be looked at? Not so much.

What is your ultimate purpose? Your destiny? At the heart of the matter, it is quite simple. You and I are purposed to be like Christ. On earth Jesus gave himself for others, had very little by definition of the day and died on a cross for those he loved. In heaven he is seated at the right hand of God reigning over all things.

You do have a great purpose. An amazing destiny. There is nothing better than to be made like Christ and when we arrive in eternity we will reign with him as a co-heir to the Kingdom. But, what does being made to be like Christ mean for us now?

It may not mean great wealth, fame or success by the worlds standards- but I can promise you that if you allow God to set you a part, holy to himself you will live a life of true purpose and meaning. A life that counts.

On Thursday I had the privileged of being on a call with author and speaker Shana Schutte, we talked about many things and our conversation partners well with the thought that God calls us out to live lives different from what the world around us may deem as right. Be encouraged as you listen today!