Our Purpose in Living

by Hugh DeLong

"Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God" (I Peter 4:1-2).

We see here yet another admonition to transform our living habits. Why am I here? How should I conduct myself? These questions are at the very foundation of living. Jesus' purpose is easily stated by quoting Him: “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him [The Father]” (John 8:29).

Now, having become a disciple, Peter instructs us to have the same purpose in our lives. Such often comes with a pushback from the world, from the people we live among who are not disciples. Peter has been dealing with this pushback and our response to it throughout this letter. It is about decisions. I must decide not to live like the world but by and for the will of God as revealed in these writings of the apostles and prophets of Jesus.

After examining your life and the emphasis you have put on your various activities, what is your real purpose in living?