The Hazard of Misaligned Purpose

The Hazard of Misaligned Purpose

Acts 12:20-24

 By Kurai Chitima

Year-end is fast approaching. Everyone is looking forward to a deserved break from the usual work schedules. This time of the year is an opportunity to do a ‘time out’ review. We all desire for a more complete fulfilling life and service. We long for more of his power and evidence of his presence. How are things progressing? Three fundamental questions to human life are who am I (identity), why am I here (purpose), and where am I going (destiny). Life is devoid of meaning if these questions go unanswered.  Identity sets basic boundaries within which purpose lies. Destiny is the ultimate dream. It is a preferred mental end picture of what success in your life looks like. It is what you are striving to become.

Purpose is the reason for existence. It is your mission on earth. Following your purpose takes you to your destiny. Your purpose in God guides your values, choices and actions (Proverbs 29:18) and addresses a need or solves a problem (Ephesians 2:10). God has a purpose in having you on earth (Genesis 1:28; Ecclesiastes 12:3; Isaiah 43:7; Jeremiah 29:11; Luke 4:18/John 20:21, Matthew 28:18-20, etc). How much does your life purpose align with that of God? How much does your dream align with His? (For Paul -Acts 20:24).  Your purpose ought to be in alignment to ensure maximum focused and effective flow of God’s grace through your life. That means having your purpose and God’s in a straight line such as with plumbing pipes. Supporting each other, pulling in one direction, on same side about issues with nothing positioned across in obstruction to flow.  Misalignment has consequences.

Misalignment resists God’s will/ways. Herod resisted God’s way (Acts 12:20). He was opposed to the gospel. He disregarded God’s values and priorities. He had a purpose opposed or misaligned with that of God. Yours may not be misaligned to the same degree but the effect of misalignment is in the same direction as that of Herod.

Misalignment misdirects God’s glory. Herod picked up a quarrel with Tyre and Sidon. When they sought peace they praised his speech and called him a god (Acts 12:22). Herod took the glory to himself instead of relaying it to God. The spirit that resists God and the gospel also seeks to displace Him.

Misalignment results in a lost dream. It is terribly painful when a life dream does not come true. Time, effort and resources are irretrievably wasted. Herod failed despite having power, position/status and money. He failed in his drive to persecute and destroy the Church.  He died a humiliating and strange death (Acts 12:23). Instead of his body being eaten by worms after death, worms caused his death. He died but the gospel he sought to kill ‘continued to increase’ (Acts 12:24). God’s word is eternal and when you hide it in you, you become eternal. Nothing can win against what God ordains.  God’s will and purpose will always prevail (Proverbs 19:21). Anything that comes between you and God is an idol. God targets it as an enemy. Eventually you lose it because God loves you.

As you transition to 2012 first remind yourself of God’s purpose to put everything else into its rightful perspective. Recommit to God’s person, purpose and people. Reignite passion for God first (Psalm 37:4). What is displacing God from first place in your life? Are there competing passions? What is competing with God for your time, thoughts, and giving? What do you depend on, consult, run to, that is not God? (Mathew 6:33).