I was recently told about the sudden death of a man I knew in Winnipeg. He dropped dead early one morning after completing his treadmill work out. He was in his early 50’s.
He was an elder in his church. He was a business leader. He was a good husband and father. He was a very good man. He was passionately engaged in spending his life, as best he knew, to create the greatest return for the Kingdom of God through his own leadership at home, in his business, in his church and in his community.
At his funeral the following Covenant of Purpose was shared:
“Today, I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling and I’m finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice, the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There’s no turning back!
I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes with God’s people on God’s planet for God’s glory! I will use my life to celebrate His presence, cultivate His character, participate in His family, demonstrate His love, and communicate His Word.
Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living, and a home awaiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, rival taking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead, I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of His family.
Because this life is in preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me”, character over comfort, service ever status, and people over possessions, position and pleasures. I know what matters most and I’ll give it all I’ve got. I’ll do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today!
I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out or backslide! I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose-driven, and mission-focused so I cannot be bought, I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I have finished the race.
I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me.
To my Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, I say – However, Whenever, Wherever, and Whatever you ask me to do, my answer in advance is yes! Wherever you lead and whatever the cost I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes, Lord; Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way, that on that final day I’ll hear you say, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful one. Come on in and let the eternal party begin!’”
This was read by the pastor because it was how he saw this man live. He did his best to be a man of purpose, living on purpose each and every day to leave a lasting legacy. May we follow his example and be Men Of Purpose, On Purpose. And, may our purpose be God’s kingdom coming and His will being done on earth, in and through us, as it is in heaven.
I felt very challenged when I read this Covenant. You may know that a Covenant is like a ‘contract’: this is a ‘Contract’ of Purpose. It is a deep pledge, a contract written in blood per se, to walk wholeheartedly with Jesus, knowing that it is only by His Spirit in us that we can walk with Him. He actually makes us willing and able to walk with Him.
I am challenged to make this Covenant of Purpose a daily declaration and a daily prayer. To set my will, by the grace of God, to walk wholeheartedly with God.
We are all going to leave a legacy of some sort. What will your legacy be?
Philippians 2:12-13
“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Luke 9:23-26
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.’”