There is little more tragic than wasted potential. Imagine standing before God at the end of your life and realizing that you barely scratched the surface of what He created you to do. Though He gave you gifts, opportunities, and a calling, fear, distractions, or complacency held you back.
This is why a cemetery can be a sad place for me. It is not because of death, which comes for us all, but because of the dreams left unfulfilled, the gifts unused, and the callings ignored. Too many believers treat salvation as the finish line when, in reality, it is just the beginning of a new life in Christ.
The good news is that we weren’t just saved from something; we were saved for something. God calls us to rise up and walk in His purpose for our lives. God has so much in store for us.
To embrace our God-given purpose, we must first understand that we are made new in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This transformation is not just self-improvement; it is a spiritual rebirth. Our old life, which was marked by sin, selfishness, and separation from God, is gone. In its place is a new life defined by righteousness, love, and divine purpose.
Consider a tadpole transforming into a frog. It starts as a small, water-dwelling creature, but as it matures, it develops lungs, loses its tail, and grows legs. It becomes something entirely new, incapable of returning to its former state. Likewise, when we come to Christ, we are transformed. We must live as new creations, aligning our thoughts, actions, and priorities with God’s will.
Beyond simply being made new, we were created for a purpose. Ephesians 2:10 states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Salvation is not just about eternity in heaven; it is about fulfilling the purpose God has for us here on earth. The word workmanship (Greek: poiema) means “masterpiece” or “handiwork.” Like a sculptor chiseling away unnecessary stone to reveal a masterpiece, God is shaping us for the good works He has already planned. Therefore, our placement in life in our families, workplaces, schools, and communities is not random. God has positioned us intentionally, calling us to live out His purpose.
Knowing we have a purpose is not enough; we must actively walk in it. The new life in Christ is not passive but requires obedience and faith-filled living. D.L. Moody once said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him.” Imagine what God could do through us if we fully embraced our calling. Like a lamp designed to shine, we cannot fulfill our purpose unless we remain connected to our power source, Jesus Christ. We must be intentional about growing in faith and making an impact for God’s glory.
William Wilberforce, a young English politician, became a believer in Jesus Christ in the late 18th century. Initially, he thought he should leave politics to enter the pastorate. However, his mentor, John Newton—the former slave trader who wrote Amazing Grace, challenged him to use his influence for God’s purposes. Wilberforce dedicated his life to abolishing the British slave trade, enduring setbacks and opposition but never wavering. Shortly before his death, he saw the fruit of his labor when the British Parliament finally outlawed the slave trade. Wilberforce understood that salvation wasn’t just about his personal relationship with God. It was about walking in the good works God had prepared for him. His life changed the world because he chose to rise up in purpose.
So, what will your life count for? Will you step into God’s purpose, or will you stay on the sidelines? If you have never received this new life in Christ, consider whether today is the day to place your faith in Him and become a new creation. If you are already a believer, ask yourself whether you are living out your God-given purpose. If not, commit today to stepping forward in faith and walking in the works God has prepared for you. With God’s help, we can fully embrace the new life and purpose He has given us. May He empower us to rise up and walk boldly in His calling. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!