Category: What do you think?

Living with a Clear Purpose

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CONNIE WILLIAMS

A well-defined purpose brings clarity to every decision we make. If a business’s goal is to always have the lowest price, then every choice would be measured against that purpose. If something did not help the company stay the lowest-priced company, it would be rejected.

The same principle applies to every area of life, especially our spiritual lives. A clear sense of purpose gives direction and stability, just as light cuts through darkness. The Bible teaches that followers of Christ are engaged in a spiritual battle, not against people, but against evil forces that seek to destroy faith and purpose. In Ephesians 6, Paul describes six spiritual tools that help believers stand strong. One of them is “having your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Like sturdy shoes for a soldier, this readiness helps believers stand firm and move forward with confidence.

In Paul’s time, Roman soldiers wore thick boots with metal studs on the soles. These gave them firm footing during battle and protected them from sharp objects hidden on the ground. Paul used this image to show that Christians need spiritual stability too. Our “boots” are not made of leather. They are made of a willingness to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This readiness to share the gospel strengthens us and keeps us steady when life becomes difficult.

Paul’s teaching in Ephesians connects directly to Isaiah 52:7, which speaks of those who bring good news: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings.” The same verse appears again in Romans 10, where Paul reminds believers that people cannot believe in Jesus unless someone tells them about Him. Sharing the message of salvation is not the job of pastors alone. It is the responsibility of every believer. Our readiness to share Christ’s peace is both a weapon in spiritual warfare and a core part of our purpose on earth.

Every person was created by God for a reason. Many people, both religious and non-religious, sense that life must have meaning, yet they search endlessly for what it is. The Bible says we are not accidents or products of chance. God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” God had a plan for Jeremiah before his birth and He has a plan for each of us too. Every life is intentional, designed by God for a purpose.

That purpose is not simply to live comfortably or to achieve personal goals. Our purpose is to take part in God’s plan and to help others come to know Him. God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” He is patient, “not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” Jesus Himself said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” If that is God’s purpose, then our purpose must be to help fulfill it.

God’s work often involves partnership. While He could act alone, He chooses to work through people. He told Noah to build an ark, Nehemiah to rebuild the wall, and the disciples to spread the gospel. Before returning to heaven, Jesus told His followers, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The central mission for every believer is to share the good news with others wherever they are.

Sadly, some Christians make careful plans for their careers, families, and finances but give little thought to God’s mission. Yet this is the very reason we remain on earth. Just as a soldier focuses on completing his commander’s orders, followers of Christ are called to expand God’s kingdom and free those trapped in spiritual darkness. This calling is not a burden but a source of true fulfillment.

People often look for meaning in work, success, pleasure, or wealth, but these things cannot fill the emptiness inside. Many who seem to “have it all” still feel deeply unsatisfied. The writer of Ecclesiastes learned that achievements and possessions bring only temporary joy. Lasting fulfillment comes only through knowing God and living out His purpose.

When we live for God’s purpose, we find the meaning and stability our hearts long for. Sharing His message gives us direction, strengthens our faith, and protects us from the enemy’s attempts to distract and discourage us. Our lives gain eternal value when we dedicate ourselves to the mission God has given: To bring His peace to others.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10

Gunmen Abduct more than 150 worshippers in attacks on Nigerian churches Sunday

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MUSA OKONKWO

KURMIN WALI, Nigeria — Armed assailants kidnapped over 150 worshippers in coordinated raids on three churches in northwest Nigeria on Sunday, according to Usman Danlami Stingo, who represents the Kajuru area in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.

The attacks occurred in Kurmin Wali, a community in the Kajuru area of Kaduna state, while services were underway at an Evangelical Church Winning All congregation, a Cherubim and Seraphim church, and a Catholic church.

Stingo said 177 people were initially reported missing following the attacks. Eleven of those abducted later returned, leaving 168 people still missing as of Monday.

Police in Kaduna state had not commented on the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Mass abductions by armed groups have plagued northwest Nigeria in recent years, with gunmen targeting schools, villages and places of worship for ransom.

A Heart That Remembers to Give Thanks

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AMY TURNER

In the Gospel of Luke, ten men suffering from leprosy called out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests, and as they walked away, they were healed. Their skin was restored, their pain was gone, and their bodies were made whole again. Yet only one of the ten turned back. He came to Jesus, shouting praise to God and falling at His feet in deep gratitude.

Consider how often people receive blessings without stopping to give thanks. The nine who walked away were healed in body but forgot to show appreciation. The one who returned understood that thankfulness matters as much as the gift itself.

In our daily lives, we receive countless blessings. We have health, food, work, friends, and moments of peace. Yet we sometimes rush ahead, forgetting to acknowledge the source of these good things. Even a small word of thanks, a short prayer, or an act of kindness can show that we recognize what we’ve been given. Gratitude should not be occasional; it should be a way of living.

Let’s not disappoint the One who gives so freely. Take time to turn back, as the healed man did, and say, “Thank you.”

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Thessalonians 5:18

Learning to Love One Another

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DON HEBERT

Loving one another is not something that comes easily. It might seem natural at first glance. Consider, a baby often shows affection for their parents without being taught. But that kind of love is instinctive and emotional. The kind of love the Bible speaks about goes much deeper. It is not about feelings, but about choosing to give of ourselves for the good of others. That kind of love does not come naturally. Our natural instinct is to look out for ourselves, but true love must be learned and practiced.

We learn to love by seeing it lived out. Many of us can point to people who have shown us what love looks like. But for believers, the perfect example and teacher of love is Jesus Christ. He not only tells us to love but shows us exactly how.

In John 15, Jesus speaks to His disciples on the night before His death. He tells them, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” This message is so important that He repeats it more than once. When someone repeats a truth often, it means it matters deeply. Jesus wanted His followers to truly understand love, to know it, live it, and share it. The command to love others sums up everything He asks of us. It is not a suggestion or a passing thought; it is the heart of His teaching.

Jesus shows that love through sacrifice. He says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus spoke these words knowing He was about to die for those He loved. The truest form of love is to give up something valuable for someone else, and nothing is more valuable than life itself. His death was not just an act of kindness, it was a substitution. He took our place, dying the death we deserved so that we could live.

That love was not meant to stop at the cross. It calls us to follow His example. Most of us will never have to give up our lives for another person, but we are all called to give up our pride, comfort, and self-interest for the sake of others. Loving well always costs something. It may cost time, patience, energy, or forgiveness. Each act of love involves a small sacrifice of self.

Jesus also shows His love by calling us His friends. He says, “No longer do I call you servants… but I have called you friends.” This is a rare and beautiful truth. Many religions picture their gods as distant and demanding. But Jesus draws close. He shares His heart and plans with us. He lets us in. Real friendship involves honesty and trust, and Jesus offers both. He knows us completely yet still welcomes us near.

If Jesus calls us friends, we should treat others with that same care and faithfulness. True friendship means being honest, patient, and steady. It means staying when things are hard and being a safe person for others to trust.

Jesus also reminds us that we did not choose Him, He chose us. His love begins with Him, not us. He is the source of every good thing we have: our faith, our growth, our fruitfulness. He gives life like a vine gives life to its branches. Any good we produce comes from His power working through us. Because of this, we can never take pride in our place in His kingdom. Instead, we thank Him for choosing and equipping us to live with love.

Finally, Jesus loves us as our Lord. He is both our friend and our ruler. His commands are not meant to restrict us but to guide us toward what is good. In a world often marked by anger, division, and pride, this kind of love stands out. On our own, love fails. But in Christ, love grows strong and steady.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:11

Jesus Our Eternal High Priest

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JOHN COPIC

Old lithograph (1894) depicting the high priest offering incense on the altar.
The High Priest in Jerusalem
By Henry Davenport Northrop.
License: Public domain

In the Old Testament, the high priest held a very serious and dangerous role. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, he entered the most holy place in the temple to offer sacrifices for his own sins, the sins of his family, and the sins of the people. This task could cost him his life if he failed to follow the exact instructions. The high priest had to be a man, capable of understanding human weakness, and he could not take the position on his own, he had to be appointed by God. His work showed the need for forgiveness and pointed to the larger plan of salvation.

Jesus Christ is now described as our great high priest. Unlike the priests of the Old Testament, He does not offer repeated sacrifices. His one sacrifice on the cross was enough to atone for the sins of all who trust Him. Because of this, Christians can now come boldly to God’s throne, knowing they will find mercy and grace in times of need. Our offerings to God, praise, worship, acts of kindness, and giving, are considered spiritual sacrifices, made acceptable through Christ.

Christ’s priesthood is unique because He was fully human and yet without sin. He experienced temptation and human struggles but remained perfect. This allows Him to understand our weaknesses and to intercede for us. He is both compassionate and powerful, able to save completely those who come to God through Him.

Copyright 2009 Kirk Ward Music Words: Isaac Watts Additional Chorus: Kirk Ward Music: Kirk Ward

The Old Testament high priest had to deal with his own sin before he could serve the people. Jesus, being sinless, perfectly fulfills all the requirements of a priest. He was appointed by God, not by human decision, and His priesthood is eternal, following the order of Melchizedek. This distinguishes Him from any human priest and ensures that His work will never need to be repeated.

Jesus’ earthly life showed His obedience, His suffering, and His compassion. He faced real struggles and sorrow, especially in Gethsemane, where He experienced deep anguish while carrying the sins of humanity. Even in suffering, He obeyed God fully. This experience qualifies Him to be a merciful and faithful high priest, able to intercede for those who trust Him.

Because of Jesus, believers have direct access to God. The veil of the temple, which once separated the people from God, is now removed. Christians no longer need a human mediator, because Christ is the eternal high priest who represents us before God. By trusting in Him, we can experience mercy, grace, and the hope of eternal life.

Through Jesus, the new covenant is complete. He has secured salvation, reconciled humanity to God, and provided a way for us to approach God freely. His priesthood, sacrifice, and intercession give believers confidence and hope for both this life and the life to come.

Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25