Colossians 4:17, says “And say to Archippus, take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it”. King James Bible
What is Purpose?
Purpose is the reason why we were born. God has given each of us our purposes. So, it is left for us to discover it, pursue it, and fulfil it. No man is useless, it is in our purpose that we become useful, and our resourcefulness is known and manifested.
Paul begins to exhort Archippus to take heed to the ministry, his purpose, and the gift that he has received from God, that he fulfils it. So, if he doesn’t take heed, he may miss it.
You can receive your purpose yet fail to fulfil it. In order not to fail in fulfilling your God-given purpose, you must note these things.
- Devote yourself!
- Give attention!
With your devotion and attention, you will develop the tenacity and the capacity you need to fulfil your ministry which is your purpose. Some of us are called into business, some are called into a profession, and some are called into a career. We all have been given these gifts by God, but we must know that Rome wasn’t built in a day!!!
Even when we have received our purpose from God, we must face trials and hardships (difficulties). 2 Timothy 4:5 tells us “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry”.
Four Important Keys that will open the Door of Purpose and Keep it Open
1. THE KEY OF NETWORKING
Our purposes are connected to other people’s purposes. We must understand that this is a law that we operate in, and no man is an island of itself. We all need each other to fulfil our purposes. You’re connected by purpose to a network of people by purpose. The moment you understand this, it will be easier for you to work with others as you run the race of fulfilling your purpose.
The purpose of Aaron was connected to the purpose of Moses. See Exodus 7:1, “Then the LORD said to Moses, See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet”.
Also, in Exodus 4:10 & 13. Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue”. But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else”.
And then in verse 14, the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you.
In the same book of Exodus 4:6, says “Aaron will be your spokesman to the people. He will be your mouthpiece, and you will stand in the place of God for him, telling him what to say”. Aaron’s voice will be heard only if he networks with Moses.
When God connects you, you’re to do everything possible to stay connected because your profit will not be known till you achieve your purpose in life and ministry.
The purpose of each of the 12 disciples were connected to the purpose of Jesus Christ.
The purpose of Ruth was connected to the purpose of Naomi as we see in Ruth 1:16, “But Ruth replied, Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.
The purpose of Esther was also connected to the purpose of the children of Israel. In Esther 4:14. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?
While you understand this law of networking, you will also need to know that your relationship with people is vital and important. Too many people are fighting and putting no effort in their relationships, while many people are floating and a wreck because they don’t understand networking.
Three Kinds of Relationships
Higher Relationships
- We learn from them (we learn to ensure we don’t make the same mistakes).
- They inspire us.
- They strengthen you.
Same Level Relationships
- This is a support relationship.
- It is a relationship that sharpens.
- It is a relationship that will position you to rid yourself of jealousy and competition.
Lower Relationships
- This is a relationship to give back.
- This is a relationship that you make things happen for others.
- It is a relationship that you pour into others by investing in them.
2. THE KEY OF GEOGRAPHY
This is a law that lets us know that your purpose has a location. Your assignment in life is tied to a location. We must be at the right place at the right time, to enter into our purpose. Miss that location, you miss it all!
Genesis 12:1, “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you”. Paul an Apostle of Jesus Christ was sent to the Gentiles. In Romans 11:13, “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify my office.
You can’t be moving anyhow without understanding this law. Lot did not understand this, and that was why he ended up in the wrong places after separating from Abraham. Genesis 14:12, “They also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom”.
Sodom and Gomorrah, he left without any possessions, just his two daughters.
3. THE KEY OF HUMILITY
Humility is staying humble. Humility will make you never think more highly of yourself than you ought to. It is a law for greatness. Humility will attract the favour and mercy of God. Humility will give you grace!!!
1 Peter 5:5-6 says “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time”.
Pride will make you lift or exalt yourself and crash without the support of God! When you have pride, you can’t network. Pride can isolate you from your purpose!
4. THE KEY OF DIVINE TIMING
Timing is so important! We operate in time in this realm; God operates in eternity. Ecclesiastics 3:1, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven”.
There are some things you can’t do after some time. You can’t become a tennis player at 60 years old. Our bodies lose its edge as we age!!! The bible says the glory of the young is their strength and the glory of the old is their grey hairs. Proverbs 20:29 (NKJV).
When God gives us an assignment, it’s tied to time. Time is the moment God expects it to be done. Don’t ever think God will be waiting on you. We must align ourselves to divine timing. I declare you will not play with time but make the most of your time in Jesus’ name!!! Amen.
