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07509 August 16, 2007
The purpose of life
A message from the PC(USA) General Assembly vice-moderator
by Robert Wilson
HUNTSVILLE, AL - Everything that God created has a purpose - the sun, clouds, rain, trees, animals, insects, and fish. Regardless of how large or small, we were all born to accomplish a certain task. It is the knowledge of that purpose that enables every soul to fulfill itself. One person with knowledge of his or her life's purpose is more powerful than ten thousand working without that knowledge.
It is important for each of us to figure out why we were put here on this earth by God. The importance of life is to accomplish the task we were given. Without working on this task, life is meaningless. Human beings have a basic need and desire to accomplish something before they die - to make a difference. When working toward this goal, people have hope and energy. Therefore, it is essential that each of us learn what we were meant to do as early as possible in order to have a satisfying and productive life.
Your purpose may be bigger than mine or the person on your right or left or behind or in front of you, but that doesn't make mine any less important. God would not place a burden on a person's shoulders knowing they could not carry it, nor would God give a person purpose without significance.
Everyone has his or her own lessons to learn and barriers to overcome. The experiences should not be weighed against each other, because they are equally important in the end. Each time I thought I had achieved my purpose, I discovered it was only another step in my faith journey.
I thought my purpose was to become that Eagle Scout who showed Black boys that they could reach the pinnacle of scouting.
I thought my purpose was to obtain a college degree in mechanical engineering from a Historical Black College/University to show my boyhood friends that it was possible.
I thought my purpose was to become an elder, which would help me be that Black role model who was missing in my boyhood.
I thought my purpose was to become president of the National Council of Presbyterian Men, showing White men that Black men too had talent and skills.
I never thought my purpose was to become Vice Moderator, 217th General Assembly (2006) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). But God did. I learned that all these accomplishments were important. But even more important, I gained a platform that allowed me to carry out my real mission, which has been to encourage all people to respect each other and to live in peace.
I am still discovering God's purpose for me.
Have you discovered God's purpose for you?
Robert (Bob) Wilson is an elder and Vice-Moderator of the 217th General Assembly (2006) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
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