Getting back to your original intended purpose
Why are there so many 'messed up' people all over the world? Could it be they bought into the lie that they are a product of 'Darwinian evolution' (and are mere animals) instead of a product of 'special creation' as human beings created in the likeness and image of God?
The benefits of the Gospel include the right-now, not only the hereafter
"The gospel, or "good news," as is the literal meaning, brings not only a future promise of everlasting life, but also a present-day blessing of certain freedoms to those who heed it."
Discovering the Gospel's purpose
God has gone to great extents in designing us…in salvaging us from eternal ruin…and in preparing for our future happiness, because He feels we're worth it. It is only through His purpose that we can find our identity and fulfill the meaning of life God had intended for mankind.
Freedom from guilt
The opportunity exists for our conscience to be cleared of all dead works and renewed toward serving the Lord (Hebrews 9:14).
"Though David was aware of his sinful actions, he wisely placed them before the throne of God. He asked for cleansing (v27) and deliverance from guilt (v14) and the chance once again to lift his head and sing of God's righteousness." (Psalm 51:11-14)
Freedom from feeling worthless
God created us with design and with purpose (Psalm 139:14). We are made in the image and likeness of God and have been given dominion over the earth. We are objects of divine love,
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
Freedom from fear
Fear comes from the unknown. When we embrace God as our light and our salvation, the unknown becomes less frightening; for we give ourselves over into His keeping (Psalm 27:1).
The psalmist boldly declares -–
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
Many are afraid of the earth's future, wondering if man will be destroyed by nuclear warfare. Trusting in the Lord, however, that He has sovereign control over the affairs of mankind, brings inner peace concerning man's future.
Another kind of fear that affects God's people is the fear of witnessing for the Lord. The fear of what others might say or think stifles their ability to communicate the gospel to others.
The proverb stands to remind us however –
"the fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." Proverbs 29:25
We can work to overcome our fears, though, by the grace of God as we realize that, “…God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Freedom from loneliness
We all at one time or another experience feelings of loneliness or isolation – separated from the group. Feeling rejected, we thus turn our attention upon ourselves seeking to satisfy the void. Often times the void is filled with new relationships; others who may want to accept – perhaps even love – us.
"In our quest for others to accept or love us, we often become self-centered. This self centeredness, in turn, repels even those whom we sought for comfort."
Thus, our purpose in seeking new friendships in order to replace the old ones thus becomes defeated by our own selfishness.
However, rather than seeking what we can take from others in the hopes of supplanting our own emotional deficiencies, we should be seeking to fill our loneliness through the giving of our love to someone else. The chances that they will respond and love us in return are much greater than if we seek to build a relationship with them based on our needs alone.
Loneliness breeds an over-concern for self. Becoming concerned for others and their needs, helps to drain our own selfish ambitions, and in the end diminishes our feelings of emptiness and of loneliness – of rejection and of not being needed. Such is why the Bible’s counsel is so true – “It is better to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
By: Mike Maney