Finding Purpose in Everyday Decisions
Hamburger was on my mind. What could I do with some hamburger meat? Since I am semi-retired and have more time to help around the house, I try to have our evening meal ready when my wife comes home after teaching all day. But there are only so many things you can make with hamburger meat. There are the traditional hamburgers, meatloaf, and all kinds of casseroles, but then what? I remember a commercial that once asked, "What's for supper?" As I lay in bed this morning thinking about the day ahead, my dilemma was: what to do with the hamburger meat?
Two things occurred to me. First, I began to understand the frustration my wife faces in coming up with different meals for our family, day after day, year after year. It’s not always easy being in charge of the family meal plan. Secondly, I reflected on my goal for the hamburger meat.
Having goals and striving to accomplish our dreams in life is important. Everyone needs a goal they are aiming for. As Christians, our goals may not always align with what others expect. Many believe that the primary goal of missionaries is to reach the lost for Christ or to change the world for future generations. Others think our goal should be to become more like Jesus every day. While these thoughts are valid, perhaps we should rethink our objectives for a moment.
We might consider the goal our Lord had as He walked this earth. Oswald Chambers captures this well when he writes, "The aim of the missionary is to do God's will, not to be useful, not to win the heathen, but that is not His aim. His aim is to do the will of His Lord." Wow! Take a moment to read that statement again. It’s revealing and helps reduce the stress we feel as we struggle to know what to do today for Christ. We are freed from the pressure of coming up with new ideas, concepts, and programs. We don’t have to worry about what others think our goals should be; we are free to follow Jesus, just as He followed the wishes of His Father. Luke 22:42 records the powerful words of Jesus that we should emulate: "...not my will, but yours be done."
I’m still not sure what I’m going to do with the hamburger meat, but my goal to surrender to His will is far more important, and everything else will take care of itself.