Two-minute read.
Shared purpose brings joy. Since Ron and I bought a fifty-year-old house, we’ve had lots of projects to do. Revamping our Florida room, we renamed it the sunset room, because we can watch the sunset over the field behind us. Old linoleum covered the cement floor, yellow and cracked. A mint green paint filled the walls, and a rack, purpose unknown, hung hideously. When we began preparing the room for paint, we quickly realized the project required more work than we had initially thought.
And so we dug our heels in and got moving. Ripping up the linoleum revealed black mold beneath it, which required more work. Nothing went as planned, and every step forward seemed to cause two steps backward. But we persevered. Instead of putting down more flooring, we painted the cement. When the last roll of paint covered the floor, the walls fresh and clean, fully repaired, the window-filled room gleamed from end to end. Ron and I shared a sense of satisfaction from completing our shared purpose.
Belonging to a faith community centered on Jesus gives us a shared purpose. The Lord gave us all the same command: love God and others, all while spreading the good news of the gospel. When we join others in the mission, we will find the joy of the Lord. Over Christmas, our pastor did a series on the Cast of Christmas. When he talked about Joseph, he made an excellent point. Joseph never speaks in the entire story, but he plays a pivotal role, guiding Mary and her baby to Bethlehem to fulfill a prophecy. Joseph had a shared purpose with his bride, and he did it with humility and little recognition, protecting the unborn babe and following God’s directions.
Friendships centered on Christ already have a shared purpose. Encouraging and uplifting each other as we strive to serve the Lord uniquely bonds us. As we grow together in the Savior, becoming more like Jesus, we will enjoy the benefits of shared purpose and a job well done. Surround yourself with God’s children and join them on the journey to love others for the Savior, and introduce them to the one who will transform their lives. Together, we can make heaven crowded and bless the Lord with our efforts.
Journal Questions:
When have you found satisfaction in a shared purpose?
How can you join other Christ followers on the journey?
How do other people help you fulfill God’s command for your life?
Friendship Application:
Join a friend on the journey today, loving God and others together.
