What's your Purpose on this Earth?

"To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us. To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A."

Yes, I know Paul, every business should have a mission or purpose statement.

But how about me?

What does the word purpose mean? The dictionary defines purpose as the reason or intention for which something was made or created. Every product that is made by a company is made for a purpose. Just think for a moment, if you walked into a manufacturing plant and asked the question, what do you make here? You would be shocked if the boss came back with, I just don't really know.

I remember the first sermon I ever preached in front of a real church. During communion right before going up to preach, I spilled the grape juice on my pants. I was so nervous. Just by the grace of God I was wearing dark blue pants. Nobody would ever find out. God, again, by His Grace whispered into my ear, "This is the purpose I created you for." Of course, everyone says oh yea, Paul was made to preach and that is what he does. But hear me, that was not what God had whispered into my ear that day. No, it was a more clear message. God's gentle reminder that day would stay with me for more than 30 years. What did He say?

"Paul, I want you to tell people everywhere that if Paul Meyer can do this then they can too."

I have humbly told people that message every chance I get; always with a smile on my face, knowing there was a scared young pastor with grape juice stained pants.

You might say I can't preach. The message God gave me that day, had little to do with preaching and everything to do with walking in a close and intimate relationship with a loving and gracious Father. I really believe we make this whole Christian Life way too lofty and complicated. God often brings me back to "What is My original intent?" Going back to the original intent book we call Genesis, God makes it pretty darn clear what His intended purpose was for mankind. Again, think for a moment about God's purpose. It is to have a close relationship with his kids. Being God's kids, can our purpose be so simple? I believe so. Once we get in touch with the simplicity of God's original intent, we will know the freedom of living and enjoying this life with our Maker. On the sixth day, God said let us make man in our own image, and then on the seventh, He rested. See how special God feels about you? God did not rest after creating light; not even after creating the animals or trees. Only after mankind was created did He rest. Rest is code for FUN. God wants to have FUN with His created image-bearers.

Let me go back for a moment to my first sermon. Let me tell you the title of that sermon-

"We are God's Gracious Givers of His Grace." I also got to share and laugh about my mishap with the communion juice. Being real is key to our purpose. Could it be that easy? Yes, we have been given the purpose of enjoying Him as He enjoys us; while all along giving out His incredible favor.