Finding Your Purpose in a World Full of Options

He is a man of great curiosity. Rather than hang out in the town square, he prefers the solace of the wilderness. His wardrobe is something out of a caveman movie. There are no glamorous meals or fancy parties in his life. He only wants a simple existence with one purpose – to proclaim the news of the coming Messiah and the salvation He will bring to all mankind.

His role is foretold in Scripture:

“See, I will send My messenger, who will prepare the way before Me.” (Malachi 3:1 NIV)

In reading the Gospel of Mark, I am struck by John the Baptist’s narrow focus – to preach about repentance and being prepared for the salvation that God provides through Jesus. He doesn’t heal the sick or go out calling or help the needy get food. John’s claim to fame is simply being the predecessor of Jesus – paving the way for Messiah.

I don’t often find myself with a singleness of purpose, but rather the opposite. There are many people and activities vying for my time and energy. Many of these are worthy causes or delightful people. Many of these opportunities make use of my particular skill set.

I think part of my difficulty at times is that I want to stretch myself in a number of directions because I see so many needs. I want to serve God in what I am doing, but I often don’t prayerfully consider the opportunities presented to me and I get way too much on my plate. Just as John had many different kinds of ministry things he could have been doing; I have many gifts that I can share in service to my Lord. There are many directions my time usage can take. How do I rectify that and find more singleness of purpose like John?

God is not calling us to exhaust ourselves to meet the needs of others in this world. While it might feel good to be in demand, there comes a point when we must prayerfully consider what it is God actually wants us to do. It may not be the easiest of the choices. It might not be a choice that brings any kind of recognition or reward. But guaranteed, it will be the choice that is best for us.

Have you ever had so much on your plate that you found you couldn’t really accomplish anything well? I have done that often. It leads to fatigue and burnout. It makes us irritable and unhappy as we try to balance too many things.

As I think about John the Baptist and his certainty of purpose, I realize that I have to consider what is most important and where God is directing me. It is very difficult to say no to certain possibilities, but as God’s instrument in this world, I need to attend to what He thinks is best suited for me and my abilities.

I have found different purposes in different seasons. For example, right now a good chunk of my service to God is ministering to my students each day. Planning and caring for them takes up much of my energy. That will change when the time comes to retire. Then I can re-evaluate and find the new vistas that God has prepared for me. I also have to make sure I don’t fill my non-working hours with too many projects.

What is your special niche where you feel God is calling you to make a difference? As you consider the months ahead, perhaps ponder as to what area you believe God wants you to focus. It doesn’t mean you should do absolutely nothing else; but it is helpful to envision what area you are gifted in and where you believe God can use you best.

God will direct you to make the right choices if you are willing to listen to His guidance.

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