An online forum in which I participate recently posed the following question:
What Bible verses reflect to you what it means to “Live with Purpose”?
I don’t believe I had ever given the question any thought previously, at least not in any specific way. There were several passages that came immediately to mind, though. As I dug them up, I found myself simultaneously convicted and inspired. Even now, as I read through them again a day later, I am still struck by the beauty and simplicity of Scripture.
This is by no means a definitive list. However, if these passages have moved me, there is a chance they may do the same for someone else. It is in that spirit that I share them here.
- “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Cor 15:58
- “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.” 1 Cor 16:13-14
- “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Gal. 5:1
- “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Eph. 6:12-13
- “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Mat. 6:28-34
- “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
- ‘One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ‘ Mat. 22:35-39
My thanks to “Dad of Divas” at Collective Bias for inspiring me.
Image credit: Daniel Y. Go