Forget the purpose. The WHY? Small thinking.
Being a fitness trainer, I tend to view things through the world of overall fitness and health.
I lift weights, I do sprints, I practice endurance and push through the “I’m about to puke” workouts. I discover pain in muscles that I didn’t even know exist. I’m frequently sore and absolutely bushed when we’ve just come off a shoulder week or a primarily-glutes-and-hammies week.
But I keep going back.
I keep crawling out of bed at 5:30 each morning to get out there and do it all over again. Is there glory in these daily habits? Is there a feeling of euphoric heroism and superwoman powers every morning?
No.
But I persevere. I press through. I show up. Every day.
Why?
Because of the bigger picture. I don’t focus on the daily workout.
I labor in this ‘kingdom’ because I believe in the current and long-term health benefits. I know that I am a better mom, a better wife, a stronger person, a more positive individual because I do this! I know my body’s capabilities; I know its strength. I recognize its ability to fight off sickness quicker and avoid chronic pain because of this daily habit. I know that I am investing in my future health and quality of life. The ‘Why?’ is constantly before me.
If I fail to keep the big picture in mind, I’ll get discouraged when I miss a lift, or still can’t master double-unders after 3 years of half-heartedly trying. If I’m only looking at the day to day, the pain and soreness, the sacrifice is simply not worth it.
So it is with the kingdom of God.
The kingdom of God is somewhat likened unto fitness.
What is our purpose in the kingdom of God?
Matthew 28:18-20 is clear: To make disciples, everywhere, all the time.
Baptize them. Teach them the Words of Jesus.
I view Purpose like a huge umbrella with dozens of individual things hanging from it: if Fitness and Health is the overarching goal, then underneath that would be the daily habits of:
<> nutrition
<> adequate hydration
<> seven or more hours of sleep per night
<> lifting weights
<> cardio
<> running a 5K occasionally
<> learning new sports
<> mastering new skills
<> pushing mental and physical limits
If the kingdom of God is the overarching mission, then attached to that is:
<> treating all humans with kindness and respect
<> practicing gratitude
<> hearing and doing the Word
<> stepping into new areas of ministry
<> speaking life and blessing to those around me
<> cleaning my house and cooking meals with excellence
<> training and guiding our children in the ways of Jesus
<> trying new things
<> whatever my hands find to do, to do it uncommonly well
Be mature enough to understand that some of what is under my umbrella of Purpose is unique to me. Your Purpose will look slightly different than mine, so your daily goals will be unique to you and your purpose. (this is the subject of Part #2)
There is this word that gets thrown around in the sports competition world: virtuosity. It means: doing the common uncommonly well.
This is how we are to do the kingdom work. Perform the common, uncommonly well.
Your purpose? Know it, and do it uncommonly well.
Jesus summed it up so expertly: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself. On THIS hang all the law and the prophets.”
It is easy to get bogged down with all the daily things and forget for whom or what we are working.
If we keep the primary goal in mind, it becomes simple to prioritize. There is clarity and purpose. There becomes a reason why we do what we do.
The mundane and daily become worthwhile.
If I focus only on the here and now, I am bound to lose sight of what it is that I’m working for.
Failing the Kingdom Test is forgetting that purpose.
Not knowing the ‘Why?’
Small thinking.
It is vital to maintain a clear view of the big picture: the kingdom of God. His glory. His name. And our place in this kingdom.