Secrets of the Vine

A day or two ago I started reading through "Secrets of the Vine" by Bruce Wilkinson. This isn't the first time I've read through this book, but as I look through the passage again and his notes on it, a new idea has come to light. One of the things He says we can learn from this passage in John is:

"The vineyard shows you God's purpose for you. Jesus wanted His followers to remember that we have one overarching purpose on earth-to bear fruit for God's glory."

 Of course I have previously known that our purpose is to glorify and honor God, but it came through in a
different light for me, now that I am in full-time ministry. I can often get caught up in the idea that spreading the gospel is God's purpose for me-working for Him is my life's calling. I think every missionary is in danger of getting caught up in the idea that we are working for God and that is good and that's all we need to do-work at it with all your might and God is pleased. However, upon reading this passage again I came to the realization that no one's life purpose is to spread the gospel. God has not called anyone to put all their energies into bringing people to Christ. Although Jesus does tell us to "Go make disciples of all nations," he doesn't tell them that it is their purpose or calling. If this were the case there would be no martyrs-people die for the gospel not to bring people to Christ, but to glorify God and to stand up for what they believe in. Our sole purpose on this earth and into eternity is to glorify and honor God. So in whatever you have decided to do with your life, that thing that you are doing is not your life's purpose, God has not called you to it, but rather you are supposed to glorify and honor God while you do it. This should be a tremendous attitude changer in your life-because it is in mine right now. Doing work is not pleasing God, it's my attitude while I'm doing it that is pleasing to Him.