Many Purposes, 1 Purpose
by Mike Ludwig
Our Lord is not random—he is purposeful. Isaiah 55:11 says His word goes out and that it does not return empty—it accomplishes His purposes. Psalms 57:2 and 138:8 remind me that he fulfills His purpose in me. He gives each of us purpose and actually helps us accomplish what He has set for us to do in life. And, for those of us who are called according to His purpose, Romans 8:28 teaches us that He can use whatever He wants in our lives for good!
Years ago, after reading Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and going through some life mapping material, I wrote a mission statement for my life. I had a job then; I was a follower of Jesus, but with less experience than I now have; I had children at home—there were things in my life that were different—and yet, there are things that haven’t changed, even though I am now retired. I find myself in a situation where my goals have changed, but I don’t think my purpose has…
All that said, let me humbly ask the question, “What is my purpose in 2023?” Ten or twelve years ago, I wrote, “In everything, I want to bring glory to God, whatever I eat or drink or do or plan” (from Isaiah 43:7 and 1 Corinthians 10:31). So, that means I am a God-praiser, a glory-giver!
As the spiritual leader of my household and a husband, my purpose is to pray with my wife and to love her and lead our family like Jesus does. For me in 2023, that means doing less of some things: arguing my point and being demanding; and doing more of other things: studying my wife more to know her and how best to love her.
As a father and grandfather, I am a signpost and a compass, always pointing my adult children and my granddaughter to God in the time we spend together, in the advice I give, in the help I offer, in the example I set, and in the love I share.
Personally, I am a student and teacher of God’s Word and ways. I need to stay rooted in the Word and in prayer. For me, that means starting each day this year reading one chapter of Scripture and journaling about what I read. And it means studying whatever book of the Bible we are going through in the Bible study I lead and writing study guide questions for my fellow students, and being prepared to lead discussion every Sunday.
As a life group leader, my purpose is to help a small group of people grow closer in their relationship with Jesus, and to help them stay aware and focused on the rhythms of the life of a believer. And as a life group member, my purpose is to support the other members of the group as if they were my family.
As a mentor, my purpose is to lovingly guide and encourage any men that I meet in a way that both honors them and our Lord. For me, that means I need to be aware of the needs of men around me, to stay in constant prayer for them and to stay in touch with them throughout the week, as well as meeting with them and praying with them frequently.
Finally, as an elder, I need to be a shepherd who is in among the sheep, and a good example for them (the congregation of our church). I need to be that example in how I act, think and live (and I need to do that with a healthier, perhaps lighter, temple of the Holy Spirit). I need to be in worship with them with consistence and total engagement. I need to do life with them, being a better listener, earning their trust, and blessing them relationally, the way Jesus would.
That’s a lot of hats, but I see a thread running through this, don’t you? My purpose now, not that different from years ago, is basically to be more like Jesus. He was all about His purpose, and I need to be all about the purpose He has laid on my life in 2023!
