“So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said’ ” (John 1:22-23).
Have you been around people who absolutely love to talk? You ask them a simple question, and the answer they give you is nothing short of a mini-book. If you are in a hurry, their response may force you to be late. There are times when it is important to get right to the point. Many have said, “Clarity is the window to opportunity.” Let us be clear about who we are.
The religious leaders asked John two questions: “Who are you?” and “What do you say about yourself?” John’s answer must have surprised these men. John humbly referred to himself as “the voice.” The voice? What a bizarre response. John was a man of great humility. He did not focus on his position; he focused on his purpose. He was the voice that God would use to prepare for the arrival of the Messiah. John summarized the purpose of his life in one sentence. What about you? Could you do the same?
We are often asked the question, “What do you do?” Our normal response is to identify our title along with the company we work for. If we are studying, we might identify ourselves as a student at a particular school. Think about the two penetrating questions asked of John. If we removed your title, or your current level of study, what statement would best describe your life’s singular purpose? Would it be God-focused?
Paul provides an example in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” The phrase, “But one thing I do” is a powerful statement. Paul refused to live in the past. He refused to believe that his past would control the outcome of his future in Christ.
Paul made every effort to focus his life on the spiritual reward set aside for those who make it their goal to become like Christ. He used all of his strength to advance the gospel while reflecting the character of his Lord.
Read: Open your Bible and read Philippians 3:12-21.
Reflect: Prayerfully consider the following: How would I summarize God’s purpose for my life in one statement? What would it require of me?
Respond: As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?
The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.