For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

Soaring over clouds with rising currents of warm air propelling you higher and higher describes the majestic flight and the very essence of an eagle. Eagles command admiration. Just being in close proximity with one can be quite breathtaking. Declared the National Emblem of the United States, there is no other creature that so embodies the spirit of a free nation.

Then, on the other hand, there’s the chicken. This quirky fowl is quite content to live out its days in a yard filled with dirt and worms. Leaving the ground even for an exhilarating flight among the clouds is the last thing it cares to do. Without question, there is a marked difference between the two, but it’s not their obvious characteristics that cause the dissimilarity. The real distinction lies in their purpose. Who they are is a direct result of purpose.

In a mostly out-of-balance approach, much comparison has been made between the eagle and the chicken. Motivational teachings prejudicially admonish us to strive to be like the eagle while shunning the pitiful yard bird. However, when it comes to purpose, we shouldn’t be too hard on the chicken. In all actuality (in the eyes of the Creator), both creatures are fulfilling the purposes He ordained. Both are doing exactly what they were created to do, and so both are flourishing in their own right.

Perched atop the highest mountain peak, a chicken would most likely perish there with its claws clamped to the rock. Overcome with fright, not even hunger or thirst could coerce him to loosen his death grip and fly away (even though he wouldn’t get very far). However, on the ground, a rooster is master of his domain. With his striking plumage and long flowing tail, he rules over his flock and fiercely defends his territory against predators. The point here is regardless of position, status, or financial conditions – there is freedom in purpose. Judging outward appearances and circumstances only breeds discrimination.

Fundamentally, we understand that purpose is the deliberate intent or original design for a thing (the reason for which something exists). According to God’s definition, a good idea is not purpose. Starting a business because the market is right is not purpose. Getting a particular degree because that career field pays well is not purpose. Consider the middle-aged stockbroker who leaves Wall Street to become a passionate schoolteacher. This scenario plays out everyday in many careers. Professions should be purpose-driven, not fleeting. I understand now that the pursuit of any goal should be driven by purpose. A purpose-driven life produces eternal fruit. A purpose-driven life leaves a legacy for the next generation. I think it’s safe to assume that the fulfillment of purpose is important to God.

I shudder to think of the chaos in the animal kingdom if each mammal, reptile, or primate lost its purpose. Imagine the foolishness of an elephant trying to live underwater or an octopus attempting to build a nest in a tree. Even if the octopus were successful, he would most likely spend his days out on a far limb feeling miserable, not realizing that it’s the depths of the ocean he longs for. What are you longing for? What dreams have you allowed the cares of this world to alter or abort? Those daydreams that won’t go away, that longing you feel in the depths of your soul – that’s purpose! When God looks upon us, does He witness foolishness or purpose? I can relate to the confused octopus.

Like the animal kingdom, man also has a God-given purpose – an original design and reason for existing. The chorus of a very popular song says, “I was created to make your praise glorious.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 states, For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. The chief end of man, the ultimate purpose of man, is to glorify his Creator. Although individual callings may be more specific, they will always be driven by the ultimate purpose of glorifying God. Listen to the words of the Lord to the prophet Jeremiah in chapter 18:

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to make. (Emphasis added)

The following scripture in Romans 9:20-21 is one I have wrestled with throughout my Christian walk. It says,

But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, Why did you make me like this? Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? (NIV)

Even now, I am struggling to find my next point for this article. Where do you go from here? These scriptures leave nothing open for discussion.

(Pause…)

It is vital that we unwaveringly believe in the goodness of God. Otherwise, the above verses would keep us at odds with Him our entire lives. God is love. He is gracious and merciful. He is forgiving and full of compassion. He is sovereign and He knows the plans that will produce His original and awesome intent in our lives. In Jeremiah 29:11, God is literally pleading with us when He says, I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (NIV) If you are seeking success and fulfillment, here it is.

If a person’s life glorifies God, who are we to judge when, where, or how they should live. Even when we see their failures and misfortunes, if their hearts are sincerely seeking the Lord, then praise God! Let Him have His way with them. Somewhere in the process, they will embrace their destiny.

Can a man sentenced to life in prison glorify God and live in his purpose? Absolutely! Can a former prostitute living with AIDS glorify God and live in her purpose? Of course! God’s plans for us cannot be altered or aborted by earthly circumstances. The wrong choices that we make could never cause Him to renege on what He has already ordained. God has never looked at the chicken with regret, wishing He had made him an eagle instead.

Wherever you are in life, the moment you begin to use your life to glorify God – you step into purpose – you step into freedom!

My Prayer for You

Father in heaven, I thank You for the great and awesome purposes that You have ordained for the lives of Your people. I praise You for Your faithfulness to us even when we are at odds with You. Your love is so amazing. Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask for Your intervention in the life of every person who may be living outside of their God-given purpose. I ask You to bring them back. Give them a willing heart to say “yes” to Your will and Your way. Remove their concerns for money and status, so that they may pursue purpose regardless of where it may lead. Reassure them Father and bless them. I also pray for every person who has made the choice to follow You and live in purpose. Some have sacrificed so much. Give them encouragement even now, and bless them. Father, give us all a stronger desire to be loyal to You. Amen.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things
and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 2