Ask yourself this question: “What is the most important purpose God has for my life?” You might begin to trot out a number of things like: to be a Godly parent; a Godly husband or wife; a faithful and honest employee; a Godly friend; steeped in the service of the church or Christian organization; a caring neighbor.... All those are areas where we, as Christians, should reflect Christ. They are part of “working out of our salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12-13). But the most important purpose God has for you and me is to share the gospel...the life changing reality of redemption. Think about this: God has placed you where you are so that you would uniquely share the gospel with those uniquely around you. You were created and molded for a time and place such as this...for the purpose of communicating the gospel. That's your most important purpose. It's the priority Jesus emphasized in Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:8.

1 Cor. 9:24-27, Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”

The gospel ordered the way Paul lived. Everything he did was based on the priority of sharing the gospel. It wasn't based on what was in his best interest, his friends, his comfort or anything else that is typically considered the pursuit of happiness in the US. Although we may not be an apostle like Paul, we can still learn from his example. Paul exercised self-control based on his priority of the gospel. Have you considered whether or not your life is based around the priority of the gospel?

True...we are not “Apostles” in the sense that Paul was, but he was given to us by God as an example to emulate: “Brothers, join in following my example, and look for those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” (Philippians 3:17). And that “pattern” was the priority of sharing the gospel. My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, keep us fixed on the priority You have established for us, namely, sharing the reality of redemption. So many things...so many distractions...so many enticements keep us from the one thing we have been molded for. Help is to see the brevity of life and the reason You've put us here. Help us to refocus and reset our lives for Your kingdom's sake. Amen.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.