We all have the need to make a difference in the world. No matter your age, we all long to make an impact and be a powerful influence.
But we start looking around at what others are doing and we get sidetracked and distracted. This is exactly what the enemy wants. This has been his scheme from the very beginning. How do you think he got Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit in the garden? By doubting God's goodness and wanting to become like Him! (Now that is crazy backwards. Why would you want to be like someone who wasn't good?!)
So why do you think the enemy tries to distract us?
Because if he can get us off course we won't be as effective.
This is the downside of social media. We start looking at what everyone else is doing and before we know it we are starting to look like everyone else. We start following others. And I am not just talking about hitting the "follow" button. I am talking about emulating.
Emulate is to strive to equal or excel. We want to be just like others or better.
But let me show you something I came across the other day in my quiet time. It is in 2 Corinthians 10:12-18.
Here is what the Apostle Paul has to say about influence and comparison.
1. Comparison. You are silly and foolish if you measure your purpose with another and compare yourself to others.
"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding." - 2 Corinthians 10:12
2. Influence. We each have an area of influence that God has assigned to us.
"But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. - 2 Corinthians 10:13
3. Goals. The goal is not making ourselves known but making Christ known. Reproducing the faith!
"We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged." - 2 Corinthians 10:15
I was amazed when I read this. I thought that influencers was something millennials made up. "Influencer" wasn't a job description when I graduated college. Neither was professional "Youtuber." But I totally see the need for both today. Never have we been positioned as believers to make a huge impact for Christ.
But here is the deal. We have to know the area of influence that God has assigned to us. We can't compare ourselves to one another. We each have been assigned an area of influence.
I think Paul knew the tendency of the Corinthians to get off track. After he encourages them to stay on track in their area of influence God has assigned to them, he says...
"But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. - 2 Corinthians 11:3
Don't let the evil one deceive you and lead you astray. Stay on track with your purpose.
Hence, the Purpose Planner!
Would you like to...
find your unique voice to make an impact for Christ.
increase your influence to expand your reach for God's Kingdom.
embrace your story and gain clarity and understanding on your purpose.
be who God created you to be and to do what He called you to do.
live a life with meaning.
find your niche as you seek the good work God has prepared in advance for you to do.
Let's not forget that our ultimate purpose as believers is to know God and make Him known. But how we do that is going to look different for each one of us. We are one body but with many gifts. This planner will help you clarify your gifts and help you do the good works God has prepared in advance for you to do.
Let's be intentional this year!
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