A Follower of Christ Purpose: Is To be like Broken Bread and Poured out Wine For Others
The world seeks to satisfy self. That is the way of the world in which we live, and we all in past times have lived our lives in selfishness, self-gratification and pride. It is the state we were born into until we were born again into a new family, family of God with a new purpose. We are to reflect, resemble and reveal the glory of God. Jesus is our example, whose body was broken and life poured out so that we may have life eternal with God our Heavenly Father.
1 Corinthians 11:23-25 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” NKJ
Jesus not only gave us communion as an act to partake in but also as a lifestyle to live in. On the same day Jesus was betrayed by one of His close friends He did not become angry, nor did He hold a grudge or wallow in resentment or self-pity. Jesus knew all His disciples would leave him and one would betray Him and yet He looked past the immediate and focused on the eternal. Jesus also knew it would be through the sacrifice of Him laying down His life, and His body becoming broken bread, and His blood being poured out like wine, that the whole world could be saved.
When life comes at us with betrayal, hurtful words and hideousacts of cruelty, just as they did to Jesus, we are to look to God Our Father in heaven to give us the Christ like Spirit, through the power of the Holy Ghost. That is when we become like broken bread and poured out wine, which will be nourishment for others to feed on and to learn about Jesus and God our Father. In these acts of humility and kindness we reveal God’s character and reflect His glory in a dark world.
2 Timothy 4:5-6 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering and the time of my departure is at hand. NKJ
To understand our purpose is the first step of being successful in whatever task we attempt to
complete. Often times people miss the mark of being successful on their jobs, with their families and in life because they fail to fully understand the God given purpose for their lives. We all were created in the image of God, with the purpose of looking like God and revealing His character on the earth. Though our minds and hearts have been trained by a fallen world from the time we were born to be concerned about self-first and to meet our own needs even at the cost or expense of another.
Jesus gave us a new directive and a better understanding of our God given purpose while living in a worldly system that haslittle or no knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Savior. The followers of Christ should be like Jesus, as when He was on the earth. We are to live this life for Christ with the souls of men in mind and their eternal salvation as we are going about our daily lives. Jesus came to be a servant to those around Him and He has told us this is our purpose, to serve others and not to expectothers to serve us.
John 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. NKJ
Though we me have every right to receive honor and respectdue to our position, title, status or work, but in the humility of Christ, we wave our rights to be esteemed and admired, so that we may serve those who should be serving us. That is what Christ did when He laid aside His heavenly position to be born as the Son of Man and to seek and to save the lost.
When the world persecutes us or hates us because of our beliefs, or because we act different and we are unlike the world, we can have peace with ourselves and others because of our faith in the completed work of Christ. We can be encouraged because we know Jesus has overcome the hate and prejudices of this fallen world system and has given us the ability to overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulations; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” NKJ
It is natural for us to expect to be respected as leaders, employers, supervisors, parents or as contributing adults and it is natural to be offended when we fail to receive this respect and acknowledgement. But, when we are born again into the family of God we no longer operate in the natural but the spiritual through the Holy Spirit. We lay aside our rights because we are given a new life, a new purpose, a new bloodline and a new kingdom in which we begin to discover and learn how to operate, in humility while living on earth. We will have to change our old mindset to accomplish this in ourfallen world.
1 Peter4:12-13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trail which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. NKJ
When we begin to understand that we are in a spiritual battle for the souls of men, then we begin to operate in purpose. We are able to become a servant to who should be serving us. We can be at peace though we are going through trials, hardships and troubles because we understand our purpose and the eternal ending to this voyage and expedition we call life. We realize these attacks, sufferings and distresses are aimed at us, but the battle is for the souls of those who are persecuting and abusing us. Our afflictions, tribulations and persecutions are considered light, in comparison to the purpose of saving another person’s soul from eternal destruction.
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. NKJ
We know we are not here just to serve ourselves, or to be admired and highly regarded by others, or to get all we can in this life, only to die and leave it all behind. We are to live humbly, simply and unassumingly so that we do not lose heart or become weary when our good is criticized or reprimanded. Because we understand that we will reap good and pleasant things in our future according to God’s word. God is faithful, so we are to take heart and stand strong while waiting in faith withgreat expectation through the power of the Holy Spirit and according to His word.
Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Though this may be a simple concept it is a difficult one to live without the power of the Holy Spirit. We should pray that He will direct our steps and create in us a clean heart and a right spirit.
Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Living life with purpose gives meaning to this journey we call life. We are here to be light in darkness, and to be like broken bread and poured out wine to nourish those who are lost. So that they may receive the love of Christ and eternal salvation through the life and love they see in us.
Integrity- People of God 