purpose of life. Share these truths with your children, your
friends, your neighbors, and those you work with. If you give this
book to a friend, add your personal note on the dedication page.
The more you know, the more God expects you to use that
knowledge to help others. James said, “Anyone who knows the right
thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning.”^14 Knowledge increases
responsibility. But passing along the purpose of life is more than
an obligation; it’s one of life’s greatest privileges. Imagine how
different the world would be if everyone knew their purpose. Paul
said, “If you teach these things to other followers, you will be a good
servant of Christ Jesus.”^15
It’s All for God’s Glory
The reason we pass on what we learn is for the glory of God
and the growth of his kingdom. The night before he was
crucified, Jesus reported to his Father, “I have brought you glory on
earth by completing the work you gave me to do.”^16 When Jesus
prayed these words, he had not yet died for our sins, so
what “work” had he completed? In this instance he
was referring to something other than the
atonement. The answer lies in what he said in the
next twenty verses of his prayer.^17
Jesus told his Father what he had been doing
for the last three years: preparing his disciples to
live for God’s purposes. He helped them to know and
love God (worship), taught them to love each other (fellowship),
gave them the Word so they could grow to maturity
(discipleship), showed them how to serve (ministry), and sent
them out to tell others (mission). Jesus modeled a purpose-driven
life, and he taught others how to live it, too. That was the “work”
that brought glory to God.
Today God calls each of us to the same work. Not only does he
want us to live out his purposes, he also wants us to help others
do the same. God wants us to introduce people to Christ, bring
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