Living Wit Purpose
The greatest spirituality in a person can never be attained when pursuing the things of the world. A person left alone will not know the joys of abundant living because worldliness suffocates the soul. The “high life” requires a rigorous climb up the mountainside. When a person chooses the road less traveled—the one that rises above all others, there are mountains of spiritual heights on which to roam. These are the people who give themselves up to the higher things. They are the “go-getters”, the aspiring personalities, those who don’t settle. They seek, out of pure spiritual adrenaline, the abundant life Jesus Christ came to give to all. On a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains, I took advantage of the scenic beauty and trekked up the hillside. The further I hiked the more inspired I became. I was far removed, or though it seemed, from the domestic stresses of work and all that’s associated with deadlines and reports. It’s understandable why Christ often escaped into the mountains (Matthew 19:23). I began to see and experience God’s glory and what it means to live on the “high lands” of the soul. I felt a renewed energy enter my body. In the mountains not only is the air more pure, but I discovered, symbolically, God feeds the mountain climber on honey that’s hidden among the rocks (Psalm 81:16). He shares with the seeking soul what He knows they need. There’s also a window of confession and a purification of your heart. To waste it or to turn away from the open window is to forsake what’s for your own good. When we declare that we’re dead to our own selfishness, Christ in turn makes our spirit come alive. This presence of Christ in our hearts, gives us the feeling that what we’re doing; we do for him and it makes all our work greater and nobler.
I left the trails that day renewed and ready to “get with it” for God. Let’s be reminded of Hebrews 13:21: “May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen.”
There are five methods to help an encouraged heart to become an ambassador for Christ.
First, you minimize your fears. Our world is full of dangers. Violence and crime fill our streets, making them unsafe by day and night. Christ provides us a safety zone within himself. Claim his words of promise from Mark 6:50 “Don’t be afraid. Take courage! I am here.” He watches over, protects, and keeps those who commit their lives to him.
Next, you must maximize your faith. Even Christians can be guilty of a lacking-faith. The devil robs us when we yield to his seductions. We’re all guilty of disappointing ourselves, discouraging others, and defeating God’s purposes. But we can increase our faith through prayer, effort, and a positive attitude. Faith is the key that unlocks miracles and brings impossibilities to pass. These are the things that glorify God.
Third, an inspired person will magnify their favor. It’s remarkable, but some Christians are uninterested and unconcerned about the needs of others. And because they’re indifferent, they’re ineffective. Don’t let this characterize your actions. We must be fervent in our service for God. Being partnered in prayer with an ardent group of believers brings results when presenting Christ to the lost. Romans 12:11 says, “Never be lazy, work hard, and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”
A motivated Christian will manifest their freedom. It’s true that doubt and resentment come to all of us and many people become bound by them. When this happens they’re unable to be the blessings they should be. Being aware of your God-given freedoms can enable Christ to free us from selfishness, resentment, hatred, and strife.
Finally, perhaps the greatest thing a Christian can do to be a Kingdom multiplier is mobilize their forces. Jesus announced, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). To make a difference in our lives and those around us we must be about the Master’s business. The field is ripe and ready to be harvested. It’s high time to witness to others about what God is doing in our lives. These conversations can win the lost and help them raise their level of living.
Some people need a lifeline in the form of encouragement that will help them scale the heights to a higher place in life. Mountains are made to climb and a Christian has all they need in Christ to make their way to the top. Christ has been to the mountain and has experience in climbing them. Therefore, let him be your trail guide through the maze of turmoil and misdirection the world throws at you.
• This bi-weekly column is written by Matthew Dobson. He’s the Public Health Services Manager for Santa Rosa County, Florida, a U.S. Army Reserve Chaplain, and the Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in the New York Community. He recently published his 4th Volume in the “Living With Purpose” Book series which can be found and purchased on www. Amazon.com. You can contact him at: rmdobson@liberty.edu.
