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A long time ago the people of
earth started building a tower that they hoped would
reach to heaven. Scripture tells us that the reason
they built this tower was not that they fancied the
idea of getting to heaven, but so that they could
"make a name for themselves" (Genesis 11:4).
[Little has changed today
except perhaps that now we make a name for ourselves
by razing high towers to the ground.]
In mercy, God confused their
language so that they could not finish the tower -
but God's ultimate purpose in doing so was to help
them to overcome the almost universal misconception
that the purpose of life is to make a name for
ourselves.
Sure, these people were pretty
demotivated when they could not complete that tower,
but what had been their motivation?
The lesson has been hard for
man to learn, however, for today we still find
people working hard and in every which way to try
and make a name for themselves - and, ultimately, to
enjoy the fleeting bounties that are showered on all
who do succeed in making a name for themselves.
But are riches, and honour, and
fame the great goals of life? Did Jesus wear any
costly robes? Did He drive round in an elegant
carriage? Did He wear a diamond-studded crown? Was
He noted for His sporting prowess - or, to put it
more correctly, for His ability to beat His fellow
man into second place? Was He known for His good
looks, or His wealth?
On the contrary, Jesus came to
teach us that the purpose of life is far removed
from what the movies and the commercials make it out
to be. Many more books have been written about Him
than about any other man. Many more sermons have
been preached about Him than about any other man. He
has had an infinitely greater impact upon our planet
than any other man - and yet he wore a simple robe
and an ordinary pair of sandals. Jesus surely did
make a name for Himself, but that was not His
intention. The purpose of His life was to live for
others and, ultimately, to die for others, and He is
inviting us to make this the purpose of our lives.
So if you are demotivated
today, we would like to offer you a sure remedy. Do
something, right now, to make somebody else happy.
Go out and smile at a stranger. Telephone someone
who you know would appreciate your call. Visit
someone whom you know to be lonely. Give a little
more than you would normally give to a beggar or to
someone in need.
Do anything to focus your life
on the needs of others, and you will find a
wonderful sense of meaning and true purpose coming
back into your life.
Then, having tasted the rewards
of kindness, and having gotten your priorities
re-focused, you will find plenty to be motivated
about. Then, with the true purpose of life in mind,
take God as your partner and set out to make a
difference in our sad and troubled community - and
think big because . . .
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