Are You Just Taking up Space?
Written by: Pam Perry
Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow (Psalm 144:4). Life is short and fragile. “It is like a mist for a while and then vanishes,” (James 4:14). When someone dies, we reflect on life’s meaning.
Answer these questions:
- What are you doing to make a difference with your life?
- What really matters to you?
- Do you know your purpose?
- Are you operating in your calling?
- Have you discovered all your gifts & talents?
- Do you have a life plan?
- Is it written down and submitted to God?
I recently went to two funerals. Both individuals lived to be an old age and were “good” people. One left this world and not many knew they were gone. The other left and it was in the media everyday. It was major news because they made an impact and made a difference in the lives of others.
God does not create anyone without a purpose. If we do not recognize and fulfill that purpose, we waste our time and waste our life. We’re just taking up space. Even though we may know Jesus and confess Him as Savior and go to heaven when we die, if we don’t complete the assignment purposed for our life – God is not pleased. We have lost opportunity and lost reward. Yes, there are rewards in heaven! Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done,” (Revelation 22:12).
Creating a meaningful life is living the life you were destined to live. God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:27). As the creation, we are to live for Him by doing His will. God wants us to finish the race and not just start it and sit down. We are to occupy until we are called “home” by serving others with the gifts He gave us – not ourselves. We are to use our time, talents and treasures diligently in order to serve God completely in whatever we do. Luke 19:13 says, we are to occupy until He comes. How do you occupy your time?
If you live your life for yourself, you will die by yourself. I got a revelation that this life is not about me. Yet one person can make a difference when they live for God. Like Mother Charlezetta Waddles did. Her life was the epitome of service. She fed, clothed and comforted thousands. The more she gave, the bigger her heart grew. “…And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God,” (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). We should give to others so that God (not us) will be glorified. Mother Waddles was known for her humility and deep compassion for the poor.
Mother Waddles was a person who had a meaningful and purposeful life. Just think of how many people would’ve been without hope if she did not help with her mission. Everyone has an assignment from God equipped with gifts to operate in their calling. He has set up this world in a way so we all need each other and we all work together to accomplish something bigger than ourselves.
Don’t let your possession possess you. Don’t wait until you die to give items away to loved ones. Give them to them now – see the joy on their faces and see your joy grow. Give and it shall be given back to you. Don’t hold onto useless pieces of jewelry that are collecting dust anyway when you can clean it up and bless someone with it. It is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). When you operate out of stingy spirit, your life is unfruitful and eventually you wither away.
We are all just pilgrims passing through. This life is but a dust ball compared to eternity. We must get involved in what really matters. Strive for true success – not what the world sees as successful but what God sees. His opinion is the only one that counts. Because in the end, all the busy things we do are meaningless if we have not fulfilled our purpose. We must put God first over all we do and in all we do. Selfishness has never been God’s plan for any man.
There’s a reason for why we are here. Wise people seek God and ask Him what is that reason. God has a plan for your life and a hope for the future (Jeremiah 29:11). There is a more excellent way! Don’t just park your car. Get in it and see how far you can go – and don’t forget to see who else made need a ride. The Bible says to esteem others higher than yourself and look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. This is the same attitude of Jesus (Philippians 2:3-5).
When we die, our bodies will all turn back to dust so we must be about our Father’s business now operating our purpose! The ultimate success is when we will hear God say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Be at peace knowing you are accomplishing your mission. A fruitful life is one that is connected to the “true vine – Jesus” (John 15:1). When you are tapped into your purpose, your life bubbles with joy and overflows with love.
Reprinted, with permission, from Pam Perry’s original article.
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