3 Ways to Add Purpose to Everyday Life
We spend our days trying to do something – anything – that counts. Leave a legacy. Make a memory. Change a life. If we can nail down “how to start a blog in 4 easy steps” or “5 easy ways to lose weight fast,” where is the short list of how to make life matter?
The simple answer is Jesus, but even that gets complicated.
Every day brings a new trend to follow or problem to solve. Chase this rabbit. Climb that mountain. Huff, puff, blow down a house or two. But, I want more than a few victories. I want a lifetime of influence. A life where every minute counts. Every word matters. Every step serves.
Jesus is the answer. The One and only answer. And when I look at the life of Jesus, I notice three quiet ways He rocked the world.
Jesus Shared Life.
ALL of life. He shared miracles at a wedding feast and ordinary Monday mornings. In the days of social media, we share a lot. But in all our sharing, we share only a little of our real lives.
Jesus called 12 men. Men who followed him – everywhere. As Jesus shared every minute with these men, He showed them how God handles not only the big things, but also the daily details that add up to a life of great influence.
Like the time I loaded my groceries onto the belt in the checkout line at Walmart … I crammed everything in with urgency, knowing the bags at the other end would soon pile up if I didn’t get the buggy down there fast. In my haste, a full gallon of milk slipped through my fingers and splattered all over the floor. Gushing like Niagara Falls, the milk formed a small pond on the floor. I apologized profusely and a guy with a bucket bolted to the scene.
Golden opportunity to show my kids how to handle life’s messes (literally), but I missed it … because I left the kids with a sitter. I’m not saying it’s wrong to solo a trip to the store every now and then, but I find myself looking for ways to do these things alone. I say it’s easier or less of a hassle. I can get more done alone. But, it’s when we share these moments, the little ones, that we show our kids or friends or family the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Jesus Spoke Life.
Which I’m thinking more often than not means bite my tongue. I mean, even when Jesus rebuked people his words never tore down or attacked. He simply spoke truth.
You know that whole, Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me?
God tells a different story.
In James chapter 3 God calls the tongue “a whole world of wickedness” and says this small part of your body can “set your whole life on fire.” He compares it to the bit in a horse’s mouth or rudder on a giant ship. Small things that steer large vessels one way or another.
Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.” Ephesians 4:29 (AMP)
That narrows it down. Words that bless. Words that give God’s grace to those who hear them. Anything else keep to yourself.
To speak life you may have to speak less.
Jesus Silenced Life.
Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 (NLT)
Something tells me these 5,000 plus people weren’t sitting criss-cross applesauce with their hands folded and mouths shut, waiting patiently for Jesus’ instruction. Then dinner time rolls around and here they all stand, hungry. I only have six mouths to feed and, being honest here, we sometimes blow right past the prayer. 10 minutes into dinner, Dad remembers to ask, “Hey, did anyone say a prayer before we ate?” Nope. So, we put down our food, pray, then pick up where we left off.
But Jesus, amidst shouts and shoves and even his disciples freaking out because they only found some bread and a few fish, goes to a different place.
Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them.” Matthew 14:19 (NLT)
Jesus never acted hurried or overwhelmed. In fact, he never seems to get in a rush – not when Lazarus died, or storms threatened, or soldiers arrested. Instead, when life starts talking crazy, Jesus quiets the chaos. And you can, too.
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11 (NLT)
No excuses. A limitless life of influence awaits. Where do you start?
Maybe you invite a friend or child or family member into your real life experiences. Maybe you leave a comment on a blog for the first time. Maybe you send a text or email of encouragement. Maybe you slow down when life presses you to speed up.
Jot these down somewhere and think of them often:
Share life. Speak life. Silence Life.
And live life.
Leave a Comment! Which one of these challenges you the most?
