Last week we began a journey pursuing the meaning of life. To truly understanding what life’s purpose is all about, we need to understand the difference between a hobby and a career. In the professional world this concept is universally understood. A hobby is an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupational focus and only consumes our spare time. In contrast, a career is pursued as one’s ‘life work’ and the primary focus of an individual’s time and energy, taking precedence over nearly all other areas of life. Last Saturday I stated we would pursue this journey from the Christian perspective; with that in mind if one is laying claim to being a Christian, Christianity should be their purpose in life…Christianity should be their eternal career choice.
Before going any further, give some serious consideration to your life as a Christian. Consider the time and energy you invest in Christian activities such as study, prayer, Church work, fellowship with other Christians, etc. Get out that paper you started taking notes on last week and jot down what Christian activities you spend your 168-hour week on. Would you consider your Christianity a hobby or a career?
What is the real focus of your time? Odds are that only a fraction of your week is devoted to Christian pursuits. This is likely due to such necessities as working to provide for your family’s needs, time spent in activities with family or friends, and the fact that everyone needs to get some sleep. If your time spent each week on ‘being’ a Christian seems a little low, do not lose heart and become discouraged. As our journey progresses, we will discuss life’s pattern and find that ‘being’ a Christian is interwoven into every aspect of our life. With that disclaimer made let us move on to examining more fully the purpose of life.
“I have been crucified with Christ: yet I live, but it is no longer I that lives, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
To fully understand our purpose in life the great price that has been paid for our lives must be considered. Peter clearly points out this purchase price in 1 Peter 1:17-21. He states that it was the ‘precious blood of Christ’ by which we have been bought. What we have been bought from, is an aimless empty career without any hope at all. What is offered is a profession with true meaning and an eternal hope. Reflect on the great love that was expressed when the price for each of us was paid. John 15:13 reads, “Greater love has no man than this, to lay down his life for a friend.” Christ had the greatest love possible for us and proved it on the cross. In return, each of us needs to prove our love for Him by living our lives for Him. Just hours prior to Jesus’ betrayal and arrest leading to His death, the ultimate expression of love, He told His disciples; “If anyone loves Me, he will keep unmarred My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” (John 14:23)
To truly adopt the Christian occupation, we must understand what happens when we sign the work contract with Him and with God. We must come to understand that we are dead. The old way of life, the worldly way of life and its desires are put to death. This reality of the Christian profession is demonstrated in complete detail by Paul in both Romans 6:1-23 and Colossians 3:5-9. Before we continue this journey next week, take the time to carefully read those passages and absorb what Paul is expressing about being a ‘career’ Christian. Write down some reflections on your profession as a Christian and answer the question, “Are you dead to the worldly way of life?”
Carl Hartman is Minister of Lockney’s Main Street Church of Christ.
