The Purpose of Life
Ephesians 4:16, "The whole body is fitted together perfectly" -- This is God's job "as each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole Body is healthy and growing and full of love."
That's us – We’re a part of God's body. Working together is how we get things done.
You have a part to play in the Body of Christ. We can get more done together than we could ever get done by ourselves. Mother Teresa spent her life working -- with the poorest of the poor in Calcutta, India. She was once asked, "How do you handle all the death and disease on a daily basis?" She said – "Every person I bathe, every person I bandage - I imagine seeing the face of Jesus -- and I do it for Him." That's the attitude behind each of us doing our part.
Matthew 25:40, "Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are the members of my family, you did it to Me." This is the deepest level of fellowship -- sacrificing for each other. It's the kind of love Jesus had for us. So how can we experience this deep level of fellowship? By standing with other believers when they’re going through a crisis. Friends -- this is what life is all about -- loving God and learning to love each other. If you miss this -- you have missed the purpose of your life and I pity you. Because life is not about accomplishments -- It is about relationships.
You were put on this earth to know God and love Him, and to know His family and love them, I have been at the bedside of many people as they were dying. I’ve never once had anyone say, "Bring me my diplomas. I want them close to me." Nobody says, "Bring me my bowling trophies." In those final moments – you know what they say -- bring me my family and friends. Please don’t take that long to figure out that what really matters in life is --knowing God and having close family and friends. I hope you don't discover that at the last moment of your life. I hope you discover it now -- and begin to fellowship as God intended. Because life is all about love. Loving God -- that's called "Worship," --- And loving each other -- that's called "Fellowship." John 13, Jesus said, "Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." That's what Christianity is all about -- loving God, and loving each other.
How do you know if you're in God's family? -- How do you know personally?
I John 3:10, "Anyone who does not love other Christians does not belong to God."
I John 4:20, "Those who do not love their brothers and sisters, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have never seen." I John 3:14, "But if we love our Christian brothers, it proves that we have passed from death to eternal life." That's the proof! The greatest privilege you’ll ever be offered -- is the privilege of being a part of God's family.
Prayer
"Dear God, I want to be a part of your family and I want to learn to love my spiritual family just like you do. Forgive me for taking it casually. I want to grow in the levels of fellowship, so today I’m choosing to belong. I’m not going to float around anymore. I want to learn to share and make time to develop real friendships. I want to do my part in the family of God. I want to learn to love other believers like brothers and sisters. Teach me the meaning of real love.
In Jesus name, Amen."