Pivoting Toward Purpose

By Ryan Harp, Creative Director, High Street Baptist Church, Springfield, MO

Read Matthew 5:17-20.

Do you feel overwhelmed by the fear of falling short of your potential? Has someone ever told you, “You’re going to do great things one day?”

These feelings and statements can be overwhelming. They are paralyzing at times.

When we look at what we have done or are doing, we often compare it to what we think we are capable of rather than simply what we were called to do.

A key observation we will adopt through today’s passage from Scripture is that Jesus did not come to fulfill his potential. Instead, He fulfilled His purpose.

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus is teaching about fulfilling the law. While doing this, Jesus states that “I came to accomplish [the law’s] purpose.” Jesus had a set purpose during His time on Earth. He came to fulfill the law and ultimately pay the price for humanity’s sin.

Jesus was not focused on doing all that He was capable of doing. Instead, He was focused on doing everything He was sent to do. Click To Tweet

What Jesus did not do is come to fulfill His potential. Jesus was capable of healing every sickness and curing every disease. In His death, He could have sent “thousands of angels to protect [Him]” but chose not to in order to fulfill what the Scriptures said had to happen. Jesus was not focused on doing all that He was capable of doing. Instead, He was focused on doing everything He was sent to do.

Today, rather than being overwhelmed by all you can do, be excited about what you have been sent to do.

Reflective Questions:

1. What has Jesus called you to do? Be as specific as you can. 
2. What is your purpose here on earth? What does the Bible have to say about your purpose? 
3. Have you been more focused on fulfilling your potential or fulfilling your purpose? Is there a difference between the two? What is the danger of focusing on one over the other? 

Memory Verse:

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.. Matthew 5:17 (NKJV)

Prayer:

Dear God, I am thankful that you have given me such great potential. Help me, however, to not be consumed with my potential, but rather, help me to understand my purpose.  I know you have given me a purpose in this life so help me to fulfill that purpose. 

Related Scriptures

Romans 3:31; Luke 16:17; Luke 23:4; Romans 8:4; Romans 10:4; Galatians 5:14; I Peter 2:9; Acts 13:36; Job 42:2; Proverbs 19:21