To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, NKJV)
Ugh! There is still some snow on the ground from a storm 10 days ago. Apparently winter has come early to New England and with that, the end of the golf season. Actually, that is fine with me. I grew up in Wisconsin where the weather and the change in seasons dictated our activities with a vengeance. Now, as an adult, as each season changes, I find I am more aware of the need to be guided by my purpose for living.
Fulfilling your purpose will require concentration and dedication to God himself and not everyone will understand you.Three months after God led the Israelites out of Egypt, he asked Moses to tell them this: “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6, NIV). Jesus said the greatest commandment was “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and foremost commandment. The second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39, NIV). And then there is this in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NASB): “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” Even the Westminster Catechism says it this way: “The chief purpose for which man is made is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” It seems to me, if I am to come even close to fulfilling my purpose in life, it will require some concentration. And risk.
Several weeks ago I had the pleasure of seeing the play “Hamilton” (which I highly recommend). The play is exceptionally well done and is actually better than its considerable hype. What has stayed with me the most is the third song, titled, “My Shot.” This song reveals what the authors thought about Alexander Hamilton’s mindset. According to the writers, Hamilton was very aware of his time and place in the evolving history of the United States, and he was not going to miss his chance to play a role. He was willing to risk his life and reputation for the opportunity to make a difference in the fledgling country. Hamilton is portrayed as understanding the necessity of action in that moment. He is willing to concentrate and accept risk so as to not miss the opportunity to make a difference in pursuing his ideals.
Which brings me to the conclusion that this is our time to take a shot at fulfilling our purpose. There won’t be a second chance; we only go through this time once in our lives. It will require concentration and dedication to God himself and not everyone will understand you, including other believers. But let’s leave our mark on history. Let me encourage you to draw near to God today: To love and enjoy him today, and to take a step closer to loving your neighbor as yourself. If we make that a habit, then one day, at the end of our final season, God will indeed say to us, “Well done, well done!”
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Bob Kuecker
November 28, 2018
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.