It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
It has been over 35 years, but I think I was sitting with my dad at a sandwich shop during lunch one weekend. I had just finished 7th grade…kind of.
That year had been a tough one for me. Life, school, teenage hormones, poor decisions, and outside stressors, like my mom’s alcoholism, were pounding my young mind, body, and emotions. One redeeming factor for that year was that I was able to meet my future wife, Charity, that year!
Regardless, I could not qualify or quantify freedom at that time. All I knew was that something had to change, but I did not know how. I was about to enter a new life, a new school, and a new story.
My dad asked a simple question. I think he was just curious and concerned. “Son, what do you plan to do once you finish high school?” Wow! Finishing high school was over five years away! I was lucky to have completed 7th grade!
I do not remember how I answered that question, but I am sure it was vague and distant. Then, my dad mentioned, “If you want to go to college, start planning for scholarships now. You will need all A’s and social influence. In other words, get involved.”
This was his way of loving me at the time. I wasn’t the easiest kid to communicate with. But the message was clear. I was to think ahead and prepare for the future. Notice that he did not pave the way for me. Work was to be involved. Note that he did not enable poor choices but empowered a future that could be if I applied myself.
That day, something clicked. Yes, my motivation was self-absorbed, immature, and slanted (I was not a Christian at the time), but I experienced a rush of energy, focus, and tenacity that I had not known.
Now, I had a clear goal, a compelling purpose, and a focused vision. I was going to make all A’s and get involved so that I would qualify for scholarships. I was off to the races! Freedom.
Please know that there are multiple levels and dimensions of freedom. We will unpack some of those through this series.
Here is the first idea that I want to share that still holds true today:
If you want freedom, then you need a clear purpose.
Yes, this is existential leaning. But, you may not experience great freedom without a great purpose.
I believe you were created for a purpose. You were created in the image of God. You were creatively designed to make a difference that only you can make.
What does that look like? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? What are your strengths? What do you feel led to do?
For me, at 13 years old, it was making all A’s and getting connected so that I would get a college scholarship.
I have matured since then…. A lot!
But, I still pursue a clear purpose.
Yep, my purpose can be summarized in Galatians 6:2. I really want to help people carry their stuff! I do this in my home, at work, and in ministry. I love it! I get excited about it! I look for the glass ceiling to destroy it!
You have a purpose, too! It has probably changed over time. Mine did!
So, we’re sitting at lunch. We are chatting about the future.
Then, I ask, “What do you plan to be or do next?”
If you want freedom, define your purpose!
