April 12, 2015 – Pastor Tim Oates – “A Sense of Purpose”
I Corinthians 14:12, Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.
You would be surprised to know how many people there are who never focus on a goal. They do several things haphazardly without examining how forceful they can be when they totally commit themselves to a cause. The difference between the masterful and the mediocre is often a focused effort. On the other hand, mediocrity is masterful to persons of limited resources and abilities. So in reality, true success is relative to ability. What is a miraculous occurrence for one person can be nothing of consequence to another. (Special Olympics vs Regular Olympics) A person’s goal must be set on the basis of his or her ability to cultivate talents and his or her willingness to provoke a change. I often wonder how far my best work is in front of me. I am convinced that I have not fully developed my giftings. But, I am committed to the cause of being. “Being what?” you ask. I am committed to being all that I was intended and predestined to be for the Lord, for my family, for His Church, and for myself. How about you—have you decided to roll up your sleeves and go to work? Remember, effort is the bridge between mediocrity and masterful accomplishment! All of us should want to be the best person we can be.
Multiple talents can also be a source of confusion. (Jack of all trades—master of none.) People who are effective at only one thing have little to decide. At this point let me distinguish between talent and purpose. You may have within you a wide variety of talent. But if the Holy Spirit gives no direction in that area, it will not be effective. Are you called to the area in which you feel talented? On the hand, consider
Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
So then you are called according to His purpose and not your talents. You should have a sense of purpose in your ministry and not just your talent. It is important for us to develop our talents. But without God’s purpose, our talents will only effect this world.
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