The Ultimate Purpose

Mark 10:45

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

I recently heard an athlete who trained for years to win an Olympic medal make the claim that they were doing it for pure motives…they were trying to be a good influence on younger kids. While that is an admirable thing to do, it was more obvious that their goals were for their own self interests. They wanted the fame and glory of being crowned the best in the world. They want the admiration of others and the benefits that come from recognition for their accomplishments. Many of them experience depression after getting the gold because the most significant purpose for their life has been accomplished and now they don't know what to do. They have been striving to fill a void but achieving their super goal still left them empty.

When we try to make our lives all about satisfying ourselves, we will inevitably end up disappointed. While there is nothing wrong with having self-fulfilling goals, Jesus described the ultimate purpose for life in our verse for today. He came to give His life away for others, for you and me. He paid the ultimate sacrifice so that when we put our faith and trust in Him, we can have eternal life.

What gives our lives purpose is not that we can discipline ourselves for self improvement, or that we achieve a lofty goal. The ultimate purpose for our lives is to be like Jesus and give ourselves away to others. Most of the people in our society that are elevated to high status and admiration are those that have achieved mighty goals for their own glory. We don't often hear adulation for the ones who work hard to serve even the lowliest ones among us. Sure, you can strive for self improvement, but push yourself so that you can do more in the service of others. Get more education so that you can serve others. Keep your body healthy by good eating and exercise so that you can serve others. Learn a trade, become a doctor, a nurse or an electrician, so that you can serve others. And do it in Jesus' name. Do it so that in your heart, God gets the glory and others see Jesus in you.