Identityનમૂનો

Main Idea: Our Purpose

The purpose God gave humanity was to both enjoy and rule over creation. Imagine being a member of the British Royal Family, and the king makes you the caretaker of one of his great historic country estates. Your job would be to live in it, appreciate it, maintain it, and even develop it further. All of this would be done in keeping with his law and guidance, reflecting the king as best you can. Well, that’s what God gave mankind as its purpose. Rule over this earth, not as its ultimate owner, but as its steward, and maximise everything in it to its full potential.

We actually still have that same purpose today. When you see someone take the raw materials of wood and metal to craft homes, or using strings on a guitar to make music, or using the laws of physics to give humans the power of flight, or using their bodies to create children and families, this is the fulfilment of our purpose. If you take the gifts and opportunities you are given and seek to enhance them to their full potential, you are doing something you are created to do. That is, so long as you do them while recognising that you are still a royal steward and not the king himself. Trying to take the king’s land and start your own kingdom would be rebelling against him. Sadly, this is what Adam and Eve did in their first home in the Garden of Eden, and also something we have all done. We’ll talk more about that tomorrow.

Reflection Questions:

• What does it mean to be a steward of God’s creation rather than its owner?
• Why is it important to remember that we serve under God’s rule instead of trying to be our own king or queen?
• What are some ways people today act like they’re in charge of their own kingdom instead of serving God’s?