Paul's Ponderings

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Redefining Purpose

Many, if not all of us, have a sense that we were made for more. That we were created to do something great that will change the world, or at least make a difference in the lives of a few people. We don’t want our lives be meaningless.

This is why we frequently hear messages about pursuing our dreams and following our hearts. Those are the messages that we want to hear. American culture, even within the church, promotes the idea that a fulfilled life comes from doing what we are passionate about—chasing our "God-given dreams" and living a life of success, influence, and happiness.

But what if purpose isn’t about chasing a dream? What if it’s about something deeper—something unshakable?

To answer this, we must first ask: What is purpose?

At its core, purpose is about our why—our primary motivation for living. It helps us make sense of life and determine how to best use our time, talents, and opportunities. But does the world's definition align with God’s?

Worldly Definitions of Purpose

A Performance-Based View of Purpose

In today’s culture, the idea of finding your purpose is often tied to personal fulfillment. People are encouraged to search for their true calling, chase their dreams, and to do what they are passionate about. There is no doubt that meaningful work is a blessing, this mindset can also be misleading because it equates purpose with success, status, or self-fulfillment—luxuries that not everyone can afford.

From a young age, we are conditioned to believe that purpose is something we must discover and achieve. We hear motivational phrases like:

“Follow your passion, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
“When you cease to dream you cease to live.”
“Dreams are the fuel that ignites the fire of possibility.”

These thoughts may be inspiring, but they can also create unrealistic expectations. Not everyone has a single, lifelong passion or a clear career path that feels like their "one true calling." Many people struggle with uncertainty, transition, or simply working to provide for their families. Does that mean they lack purpose?

The Anxiety of Chasing Purpose

When purpose is defined by following your dreams or living with a passion, it leads to unnecessary stress when that is not your experience. Rather than discovering their purpose, many people will experience:

Doubt – “Do I have a dream worth following?”
Disappointment – “Every time I think life is going to turn around for me the other shoe drops.”
Comparison – “Others seem to be living their dream—why am I struggling?”

Rather than bringing joy, the pursuit of purpose often brings with it anxiety and depression, making people feel like they are being left behind or missing out on something bigger.

The Pressure to Define Ourselves by What We Do

We all know that our American culture equates identity with career and achievements. When someone asks, “What do you do?” they are often really asking, “Who are you?” This places enormous pressure on people to define themselves by their accomplishments rather than their character or faithfulness.

I know I struggled with this when I was baking bagels in Iowa City, unable to find a paid pastoral position. I constantly battled feelings of failure and inadequacy. I had based my identity and purpose so much on being a pastor that when I wasn’t in that role, I felt like I was wasting my life.

Looking back, I now see how God used that time in my life to refine my character and reshape my understanding of purpose.

What Happens When Circumstances Change?

If our purpose is tied to what we do or what we can achieve, then what happens when life takes an unexpected turn?

What if you lose your job?
What if your dreams shift or don’t work out?
What if your season of life demands something different from what you planned?

When purpose is defined by success, failure or change can make us feel like we’ve lost our identity.

Shifting the Focus

The world’s definition of purpose is rooted in following your dreams and trying to accomplish something great, but this approach often leads to frustration, disappointment, and anxiety. Instead of purpose being about our fulfillment and success, Scripture teaches that our purpose is found in something different—faithfulness to God.

The Biblical Definition of Purpose

The world often tells us that purpose about what we do—chasing our dreams, the difference we make, or the impact we have on other people. However, Scripture paints a different picture. Instead of tying purpose to achievement, the Bible consistently defines it in terms of faithfulness to God. Our purpose is not found in what we accomplish but in how we live in obedience to Him.

Purpose Is Rooted in Faithfulness, Not Success

Rather than centering purpose on self-fulfillment, Scripture calls us to live in a way that reflects God’s heart and character in all the various circumstances of life. Consider these key verses:

Micah 6:8

"Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God."

God makes it clear that our purpose isn’t about chasing grand achievements but about living with justice, mercy, and humility.
Success means little if we neglect those around us who are struggling. Purpose is about using what we have to make a difference.
True purpose requires walking humbly with God—aligning with His values and will rather than our own ambitions.

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Our ultimate purpose is not about us but about Jesus living through us.
We are called to live with love, hope, and truth, showing the world that there is a better way.
True purpose is found in surrender—allowing Jesus to shape our desires, decisions, and daily lives.

Colossians 3:17

"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

This verse doesn’t limit purpose to a specific job or calling. Instead, whatever we do should be done in a way that honors Jesus.
Our loyalty to Christ is seen in how we live and represent Him in our daily lives.
This is the purpose for every Christian—we represent King Jesus in everything we say and do.

A Shift in Perspective: From Doing to Being

These verses challenge the common idea that purpose is about what we do. Instead, they emphasize how we live. Purpose is less about a grand mission to change the world and more about a daily posture of obedience, love, and faithfulness.

Instead of asking, “What should I do with my life?” we should ask, “How can I honor God in whatever I do?”
Instead of trying to follow our hearts, we should focus on being faithful wherever God has placed us.

Living with Purpose in Every Season

This biblical view of purpose brings incredible freedom. If purpose is tied to a specific job, talent, or opportunity, then our sense of meaning is fragile—it can be lost when circumstances change. But if our purpose is found in living faithfully before God, then we can live with purpose whether we are:

Working in a career we love or in a job that simply provides for our needs.
In a time of growth or a time of waiting.
Serving in a big, visible way or in quiet, unseen way.

No moment is wasted when our purpose is to walk humbly with God and to be faithful to Him in every circumstance of our lives.

Conclusion: Purpose Is About Faithfulness

The biblical definition of purpose removes the pressure to “figure it all out” and instead calls us to trust God, love others, and live for His glory. No matter where we are or what we do, our purpose remains the same:

To act justly, love faithfulness, and walk humbly with our God.

Monday, February 10, 2025

Living with a Pure Heart

Introduction

Imagine you’re in your early 20s, just going through the motions of life, when—out of nowhere—everything changes. That’s what happened to James. He wasn’t looking for God, but one night, after following a friend to a church service, he had an encounter with Jesus that turned his world upside down. It wasn’t just emotional or intellectual—it was real. He described it as feeling cleansed, awakened, and more alive than ever before.

James embraced his new faith with enthusiasm. He prayed, worshiped, read his Bible, and let go of his old, destructive habits. He knew that God loved him, that Jesus had died for him, and that one day, he would spend eternity in heaven. But after the excitement settled, he found himself facing a question that many believers wrestle with: What am I here for now?

He knew salvation wasn’t just about waiting for heaven. He saw others in the church following strict rules, but that didn’t seem to match the grace he had received. He heard that some were called to ministry, but he wasn’t sure if that was for him. Meanwhile, he was finishing his doctorate in computer science—was that part of his Christian life or just a side note? Was his faith only about getting saved and helping others do the same, or was there something more?

This is where many Christians find themselves—saved, but unsure of what comes after belief.

And here’s the answer: God didn’t just save us from something; He saved us for something. Our purpose is not just to get to heaven but to be transformed into the people He created us to be. Romans 8:29 tells us that God’s goal is to conform us to the image of His Son. In other words, the Christian life is about character—becoming more like Jesus in everything we do, whether in ministry, the workplace, or our daily interactions.

The question isn’t just, “What am I saved from?” but “What am I being shaped into?” Because the purpose of life isn’t just salvation—it’s transformation. (Adapted from After You Believe, N. T. Wright, pp. 1-3.)

The Heart of the Kingdom

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches what it means to be a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven. We can make Kingdom citizenship all about following certain laws, believing that our righteousness is defined both by the spiritual things we do and the worldly things we avoid. However, our actions are only part of the story. What really matters is our heart—what we think, how we feel, and what we desire. These things influence the way we live.

Jesus taught that Kingdom citizens embrace values such as humility, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness. These values shape our mission: to influence the world for the Kingdom by being salt and light. To do that, we must live righteous lives—not just obeying the Law but being transformed from the inside out. Our motivations matter.

Looking forward, we must ask, Who am I when no one is watching? As N.T. Wright puts it, “When you’re suddenly put to the test and don’t have time to think about how you’re coming across, your real nature will come out. That’s why character needs to go all the way through: Whatever fills you will spill out. And it’s up to you to do something about it.”(After You Believe, p. 28.) Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:27-37 addresses how our thoughts, desires, and integrity reveal the true condition of our hearts.

Jesus’ Teachings on a Pure Heart

1. Purity Begins in the Heart (Matthew 5:27–28)

Jesus affirms the commandment against adultery but he takes it further—lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery in God’s eyes. The issue is not mere attraction but dwelling thoughts and desires that take our hearts and minds in directions they are not intended to go. Lustful thoughts are sinful because:

They defile marriage, even for those not married. Sex is reserved for marriage, and to place it anywhere else, even in our thoughts, dishonors God’s design for both marriage and sexuality.
They reduce people to objects for self-gratification. Every person is created in God’s image and deserves honor and respect.
They misuse God’s gift of imagination and reflection. Our minds are capable of creativity, problem-solving, and meditation. Paul instructs us in Philippians 4:8 to think about good things. Lust corrupts this gift.

We need to realize that lust is not some loophole for us to have some fun without actually sinning. Jesus taught that it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. Examine your thought life and take steps to guard your mind.

2. Taking Radical Measures (Matthew 5:29–30)

Jesus uses hyperbole to emphasize the seriousness of sin—if something causes you to stumble, remove it. While not literal, this highlights the need for drastic action against temptation. The image Jesus presents is that of a resurrected body bearing the evidence of the struggle against sin rather than going to hell with whole body.

Lust may seem like a private sin, but Jesus teaches that it requires serious action. Filters and accountability help, but even a blind handless man can still lust. Since we live in a world full of temptation we need to have our hearts transformed. Pursue spiritual disciplines—prayer, meditation, and Scripture—to reorient your desires. One of the places to begin is this prayer from John Eldredge: Prayer for Sexual Healing.

3. Honoring the Sanctity of Marriage (Matthew 5:31–32)

Jewish law permitted divorce, with rabbinical debates on what made divorce allowable. Some were lenient, others strict. What was the real issue? For Jesus the real issue wasn’t the justifiable reasons for divorce, but the sacredness of marriage. Marriage is to represent God’s covenant love for His people. Therefore divorce distorts the reflection of God’s faithfulness that is to be expressed through marriage.

Jesus isn’t entering into the divorce debate of his day, but rather he is emphasizing the fact that marriage is a sacred covenant that needs to be honored. Whether married, single, or divorced, we are all called to uphold the sanctity of marriage.

4. Integrity in Speech (Matthew 5:33–37)

In Jesus’ time, people swore oaths to manipulate trust. Some Jews would swear by God’s name, but most, in order to keep God’s name holy, would use substitutes that were connected with God (heaven, earth, Jerusalem). Jesus teaches that Kingdom citizens should be people of integrity, whose “yes” means yes and “no” means no. We already bear God’s name and act as His representatives, and because of this our word should be enough.

Integrity matters. Let your words reflect God’s faithfulness. If you make a promise, keep it. A life of integrity mirrors the character of Christ.

Conclusion

Jesus calls us to a righteousness greater than the Pharisees—not through stricter rule-keeping but through heart transformation. This means:

Taking decisive action against sin.
Pursuing purity in thought and deed.
Honoring commitments in marriage and relationships.
Being trustworthy and truthful in all we say and do.

This requires self-examination. Where does your heart need help? Don’t be content with salvation alone—desire a heart continually transformed into the image of Jesus, reflecting His love, compassion, mercy, and integrity.

Challenge: Take time this week to examine your heart. Where do you need transformation? Pray, surrender, and trust that God, who began a good work in you, will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Let God reshape your heart to reflect His purity, love, and integrity.

Friday, February 7, 2025

Philosophy of Discipleship

What is a disciple? A disciple is someone who is passionately committed to becoming more like Jesus Christ.

Jesus said:

"Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master. Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master" (Matthew 10:24-25a, NLT).

Similarly, the apostle John wrote:

"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did" (1 John 2:6, NLT).

Being a disciple is not merely about learning correct doctrine; it’s about embodying it through action and adjusting our lives to reflect Jesus.

The Role of a Disciple in the Church

Disciples are the heartbeat of the local church. They provide the service, sacrifice, and leadership that make ministry possible. Disciples pray regularly for the church family and for individuals, showing genuine care for others. They seek opportunities to share Christ’s love with non-believers and provide the wisdom and guidance that help the church community fulfill its mission. Most importantly, disciples serve as examples for others to follow. A healthy church is built on mature, dedicated disciples who demonstrate what it means to live as a follower of Jesus.

What is Discipleship?

Discipleship is the intentional process of forming disciples. Jesus left the church with a clear mandate:

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you" (Matthew 28:19-20a, NLT).

This task of making disciples doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentionality and planning. While the methods may vary across church communities, one thing remains constant: discipleship is essential to a thriving, vibrant church.

The Role of Discipleship in the Church

Discipleship is the most vital ministry of the church. It ensures the ongoing health of the church community and empowers the church to impact its surrounding culture. While some individuals grow in faith through personal discipline, most of us need guidance, encouragement, and accountability to continue maturing. Discipleship provides that essential structure, helping believers grow and develop, thereby strengthening the church as a whole.

My Philosophy of Discipleship

The mission of the church is to make disciples—this is what Jesus called us to do (Matthew 28:18-20). Discipleship must be a top priority for every church family. In examining Jesus' ministry, we can identify three essential components for any discipleship program:

1. Discipleship is Founded on Prayer

Luke’s gospel shows us that Jesus prayed before selecting His twelve apostles (Luke 6:12-13). In John’s gospel, we see Jesus praying for His disciples on the night of His betrayal (John 17:1-26). Prayer is foundational for discipleship because it connects us with God’s will and empowers us for ministry. Discipleship begins and thrives in an atmosphere of prayer.

2. Discipleship Happens Through Teaching

Jesus’ ministry was primarily one of teaching (Matthew 4:23). Faith begins with knowledge, and knowledge is passed on through teaching. To become like Jesus, people must first learn how Jesus lived and what He expects of us. A healthy discipleship program will offer both personal and group study opportunities to learn God’s Word. For believers to align their lives with God’s will, they must first understand what that will is.

3. Discipleship Results in Ministry

At a certain point, Jesus sent His disciples out to do ministry. Luke 9:1-6 describes how Jesus sent out the Twelve to preach and heal, and in Luke 10:1-16, He sent out seventy-two others to carry out His mission. Ministry is where disciples experience God at work in and through their lives. A strong discipleship program will provide opportunities for people to serve—both within the church and in the community. By engaging in ministry, disciples put their faith into action and live out God’s will.

Additional Principles for Effective Discipleship: Faith and Patience

While prayer, teaching, and ministry are essential, two additional principles are crucial for effective discipleship: faith and patience. We must trust that, as we commit to the discipleship process, the Holy Spirit is working in people’s lives, even when we can’t immediately see the results. Patience is key, as spiritual growth rarely happens overnight. It took three years for Jesus to prepare His group of disciples to lead the early church, and we can’t expect overnight transformations. We must trust God’s timing and remain committed to the process, knowing that He is faithfully at work.

By committing to these principles—prayer, teaching, ministry, faith, and patience—the church can fulfill its mission of making disciples and nurturing a thriving, spiritually healthy community.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

The Journey of Christian Spiritual Formation

Spiritual formation in Christ is a deliberate and structured journey. While God can work through chaos, He has chosen to engage with us through intentional and clear pathways. Instead of passively wondering what God is up to in our lives, we are called to embrace the means He has provided for our growth. These pathways are revealed in Scripture, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Life in our modern American culture is fast and busy. Since it is easy to have a full schedule it is tempting to “go with the flow.” This path of least resistance requires little effort but allows our culture to be the greatest influence in our spiritual formation. Many Christians struggle with spiritual maturity because we allow ourselves to drift instead of actively engaging the means to become more like Jesus.

Even so, God is gracious. He brings healing and transformation to our lives, even when we fail to fully engage in the process of our own spiritual development. This is a profound reminder of His goodness and love toward us, even in our shortcomings.

One challenge in discussing spiritual formation is the fear of being misunderstood as promoting “salvation by works.” This often leads to an emphasis on faith, which can, unfortunately, be reduced to intellectual agreement to doctrine and adherence to a certain moral standard. While truth is essential, faith is far more than believing the right things.

Biblical faith is defined by trust, commitment, and obedience—qualities that are reflected in how we live. Spiritual formation, then, is an active process that is to result in good works. These works are the fruit of genuine faith.

The journey of spiritual formation has a clear starting point: repentance. Jesus emphasized repentance throughout His ministry. In Matthew 4:17 (NLT), He declared, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

Repentance is not just feeling regret or making a confession; it is a true shift in our loyalties. Sin is rebellion against God and His Kingdom, and through repentance, we consciously change our allegiance. This act of turning away from the world and turning to God signifies a new loyalty—a declaration of citizenship in the Kingdom of Heaven.

True repentance is foundational to spiritual formation. It is not merely a formality but an act of faith: a decision to trust, commit, and obey God. From this starting point, our journey begins, and as we continue, God works within us to transform us into the likeness of King Jesus.

As we pursue spiritual formation, it is crucial that we remain both intentional and humble, allowing God to guide us. The process may be challenging, but it is the path to becoming who we were created to be in King Jesus—a journey of purpose, growth, and grace.