January 12 – PURPOSE – A COMMAND

 This is what I command; that each of you continue to love the others. (John 15:12)

                 Do you struggle to find and clearly express your life’s purpose? If you do, consider a simple possibility. You could say, “I follow Jesus.” To follow someone is to do what that person wants you to do (1 John 2:4, Ecclesiastes 12:13).

                 Jesus explained what He wants repeatedly. He commands that you love others - as that love shows your love for Him. So, in its most simple form, your purpose; the focus of anyone’s life who is a follower of Jesus, is to love Him enough to do what He says – love other people. This idea is so very simple; even child-like. The great challenge comes when you try to apply this rule to every part of your life. You see, unless you change your statement of purpose to, “I follow Jesus at those times when I’m with nice people who treat me well,” loving other people can be very hard.

                 Will you follow and obey Jesus in the places, and at the times, when it is hard to love?