While there are things that EVERY Christian is called to do, as members of the body of Christ we have EACH been equipped in different ways to fulfill necessary functions within the Body. It is necessary if we are ever going to live the life that Christ has saved us to live to determine the one thing above all others that we have been equipped to do.
The Apostle Paul explains that He lived for one thing in Philippians 3:13;
“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,”
How do we determine our “One Thing” and live in light of our particular gifting?
Understand that everything is for the glory of God
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Our purpose in a big sense, the purpose of every purpose on this earth whether they know it or not is to give honor and glory to our creator.
Live in light of your unique purpose
You are unique!!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us….
God has made each of us different so that collectively we can accomplish the task of glorifying Him.
But how do I determine that “One thing?”
1. Do the things that the Word of God outlines as common to us all; a relationship with Christ, sharing the gospel, serving through the local church.
Genesis 24:27 I being in the way, the LORD led me..
2. Live to fulfill the big purpose of glorifying God.
3. Understand, accept, and appreciate your particular equipping.
4. Follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
5. Embrace the opportunities that the Lord provides.
6. Don’t discount your abilities or covet that of someone else.
Make a commitment as we start a new year to let the Lord show you how he wants to use you to glorify Him. Get in the way and do the things that you know you should so that He can lead you in the path that is specific to your life.