When my family would come back for furlough from Ethiopia, it was always a treat to go to Walmart.
I remember it was our first furlough back in the United States and I was around the age of eight. Our first family outing, after getting over our jetlag, was of course a trip to Walmart (Which was requested by my mom). I remember so vividly stepping into Walmart and being utterly speechless. I was overwhelmed and ecstatic about the number of things that Walmart had. I remember telling my mom that they even had “pre-toasted bread.” That day as an eight-year-old, I wanted everything in that store. My attitude of excitement quickly changed to greed, and I suddenly “needed” things that I didn’t even know existed. However, my parents quickly reminded me of why we were at Walmart to start with. We had a mission, a goal, a purpose, to get what was necessary in order to return to the Country of Ethiopia.
I tell this story to show how easy it is to get swept up by the things of this world and lose sight of our purpose on earth. The verse that I want to focus on is in both Matthew and Mark.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
Matthew 16:26
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
Mark 8:36
Prayer Tip #23 - To remember our goal and purpose on this earth is to live for Him.
Although these verses are short, they hold great wisdom that can be applied to our day-to-day lives. As these verses state, we can gain everything that is so-called "desirable" to man on this earth but still have wasted our lives. It is so easy within the United States to get caught up in material-based things. Since moving to the United States, I have even struggled with getting caught up in the next best thing. However, the Lord has been teaching me that although these things are not bad, we need to make sure that they do not distract us from the purpose of sharing the gospel.
One of my favorite quotes’ states, “Only one life ‘twill soon be passed, only what’s done for Christ will last.” This quote is by C.T Studd, and what amazes me about this is that he had it all, according to the world. He had money, fame, and fortune, but still chose to give it all up for the sake of the gospel. We can gain that dream job, that house on the beach that we all want, or even get everything our hearts desire, but if we fail to live our life for Christ then what was the point? The things of this world are temporary, but the Lord is eternal. You and I have a mission, a goal, a purpose, and that is to make Christ's name known above all.
Prayer Points - Pray over these requests:
Praise the Lord for the gift of the Gospel.
Pray that your heart will be guarded against being consumed with the things of this world.
Pray that you remember your purpose in life.
Pray for strength to boldly and intentionally live out the gospel in our daily lives.
Suggested Prayer - Pray these words in your heart or out loud:
Dear Lord,
Thank You for goodness and grace in my life. Thank You, Father, for sending Your Son to die for my sins on the cross. Help me Lord to not focus on the things of this world, but solely on You. I do not want to gain anything in this world apart from You. Help me to live my life intentionally and boldly because of the gospel. Help me to keep the above Scripture guarded in my heart. This life is not my own, Lord, but Yours. Use me to further Your Kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.