Those Who Know Me

Why am I here?

What is the thrust of my life?

These are the big questions that everyone asks, the answers to which many are clueless. Is it any wonder that The Purpose Driven Life was the bestselling hardback nonfiction in history, or that it was on the New York Times bestselling list for a record 114 weeks, or that it has sold over 30 million copies? I’m certainly not surprised—I was among the clueless for the first decade of my life. Since my early and uncertain teen years, however, God has given me a purpose and a mission so rich and fulfilling, that I grieve for those who haven’t experienced it.

The turning point came when I realized my ultimate purpose, as laid out in the Westminster shorter catechism: “Q) What is man’s primary purpose? A) Man’s primary purpose is to glorify God (1 Cor10:31; Rom 11:36), and enjoy Him forever (Psalm 73:25-28).” What a joy it was to realize that there was a specific reason for my life on earth! I begged God for more details, though. How could I glorify Him? How could I enjoy Him forever?

God gave me my life verse several years ago to express this cry and hungry desire of my heart.

“O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works. Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come (Psalms 71:17-18).”

I have failed at declaring God’s power to the world. I have bit my lip to keep from “offending” someone, when they really needed the offense of the Gospel. I have beaten myself up for not sharing, until I repent and experience God’s merciful forgiveness. Daily, though, I ask God to shine through me. I do not want to have any acquaintances or friends who are unaware that I am a Christian or uncertain of what Christ means to me. To have a comrade observe my funeral with amazement at the Christian emphasis would be the greatest tragedy of my life.

So I ask God regularly to let the wisdom of this quote sink into my life and become true of me.

Lately, God has been so faithful in showing me how I can live this way. Little things, such as praising Him to a friend, or praying before each music lesson I teach, or cracking off the restriction of my fear of man have brightened my corner tremendously. Sometimes, though, He gives me big opportunities, such as the time I sat on stage, surrounded by musicians in the symphony, 15 minutes before a performance. My comment on an assignment due that night led to her question on what class I was taking, which led to me asking if she was a Christian, which led to the “Yes! I have gone to church and read through the whole Bible” response, which led to me sharing the Gospel message condensed into two minutes. (If you ever wondered what musicians are saying when they’re onstage, now you know!) There are also works in progress, such as the LDS student I have who proclaims “Amen!” to conclude each of my prayers.

There’s my violin teacher, who engages me in intelligent debate, always testing my acumen on various subjects. When he started making too much of an issue of the eternal “Republican vs. Democrat” quagmire, I told him that my allegiance does not belong to a party, but to Jesus Christ who saved me from my sins. I vote on issues, not party lines.

Am I still learning? Of course! But as I have asked God “do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation,” He has been faithful to provide opportunities and to give me His courage and His Words each and every time. The more I brighten my corner, the easier it gets. Most importantly, however: the more I do it, the more I glorify God and the more joy I receive.