kingdom builders
Dear Maliyah,
What is your purpose?
This is one of the most sought after questions in the world. Humans run to this question as though the answer to it will give them life and solve many of their problems. They believe that once they find their purpose, they will find joy.
From early on, we ask children what they want to be when they grow up. Then, at eighteen we force them into feeling as though they have to choose their life path. After that, when they graduate and step into a career, they convince themselves that this is it. This is how they must spend the rest of their lives.
They feel pressure. They feel fear. They feel panic. And then they feel stuck.
We as humans find our sense of belonging in our purpose. We wonder what we were created to do? What is the legacy we will leave? How will people remember us? What is our purpose?
And Maliyah, you will find that people spend their whole life searching for the answer to this question. Switching careers time and time again. Seeking out money believing it will take care of all. Clinging to the dream of moving up the ladder and being at the top. Desiring to be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments. Finding satisfaction in their paycheck and title.
It is human nature. We sinfully desire to be recognized and have whatever we want. We believe this is our purpose and it will bring us joy.
But our Father leads us in a very different direction, and leaves the guesswork out of it. He tells us exactly what we are to do and gives us a very clear purpose.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
There you go. We are to be kingdom builders. Plain and simple.
Maliyah, as followers of Jesus, we are gifted with the opportunity and privilege of helping Him build His kingdom. He does not need our help, but instead, He wants it. He desires to partner with us in His work.
Therefore, our purpose is clear. We are to make disciples. We are to go out, be love, share the good news, live as we are called to live, and draw others to the conclusion that Jesus is their Savior and that our Father desires to be a part of their life.
Here’s the beautiful part about it- we all get to do it in different ways. Each through our own gifts, talents, and passions we were created with.
Daily, I have to remind myself of my ultimate purpose. To build His kingdom. So often, I allow lies to enter my mind and take over. Lies that it is my job to “fix” all of the kids that come into my room. Lies that tell me I am not doing enough, and will truly never be enough for what these kids need and deserve. Lies that tell me my purpose is to be sure they are on grade level, do their homework, and behave.
The other day though, I was reminded of my real purpose.
I have a boy in my class who battles many obstacles on a daily basis. Emotionally, mentally, physically…there is a lot going on, a lot to keep up with, and a lot to improve. But let me tell you, he has a heart of gold. I have never met a child who is so loving and has such a tender spirit. Day after day, he makes my world brighter and causes me to stop and smile when I need it most.
We as teachers had to pick one student from our class who we felt best demonstrated compassion, and they were to be recognized in a school assembly. It was an obvious choice for me.
It was a surprise, and I wasn’t quite sure how he would respond. I wasn’t sure if he would understand it, if he would want to go up front to receive his award, or if he would try and become invisible as to not be noticed. Really, I wasn’t expecting much of a reaction.
But I was so wrong.
When his name was called, without hesitation he jumped off the ground, shot his fist in the air, and yelled a very loud and enthusiastic “Yes!”
He RAN full force up to the front, and with joy oozing from his pores, he began to dance in front of the whole school. Not for attention, but truly out of sheer happiness.
He got his award and stood up front with the biggest grin on his face.
Of course, I was struggling as I tried to hold back the sobs that wanted to escape.
There was a lot of clapping and cheering to follow, and the whole time, he glistened.
When they were dismissed to go sit back down, he ran straight into my lap, wrapped his arms around me, and said, “I won! I won!”
After explaining to him why I chose him, he gently leaned into me and sweetly thanked me.
And then it hit me. This was my purpose.
Not getting them to their reading level. Not teaching them to add and subtract. Not teaching them to remember their homework. But rather encouraging them in their kindness and loving spirit, and essentially making them feel loved and noticed.
As the tears pooled, I sat there and thought, “This is what it is all about.”
Moments like this where a person feels cherished. Where they feel noticed. Where they feel our Father’s warm embrace. They might not recognize it, but they feel it.
Maybe it’s making a patient feel heard when they come in feeling sick. Maybe it’s snuggling up with your kiddo in bed and reading a book with them. Maybe it’s helping someone with their finances and giving them the assurance they are not alone. Maybe it’s sharing a smile with someone on the elevator to make them feel noticed.
Whatever it may be, the purpose is the same for us all, but the means to get there is different. We must embrace the season of life we are in and the people that surround us. It requires us to take a step back and evaluate what our true intentions are. What is our end goal? What is it that we need to accomplish? Better yet, who is it that we need to reach?
How can we be kingdom builders?
Maliyah, if you want to feel alive, this is your answer. Doing the work of our Father is the most life giving task there is. Loving His people and fighting for His glory is the most honorable and humbling thing you can do. Simply do your best to make people fall in love with Jesus and join us in the race we are all running.
That is where your true purpose lies. That is what you were created to do. That is what we were all created to do. To join our Father in His mission to build His kingdom by turning His children into warriors for Him.
All my love,
Sissy