Businesses exist to maximize profits. Consumers maximize utility (satisfaction). Politicians attempt to maximize votes. By law, the U.S. Federal reserve has three objectives: maximum employment, stable prices and moderate long-term interest rates. Purposes can vary by the type of entity, current conditions and individual.
Incentive follows purpose. Businesses, as they attempt to maximize profits in a legal and ethical manner, will do all in their power to provide the best product, service and price. They will pay workers commensurate with their contribution to profits. Consumers attempt to boost their wages and incomes to be able to buy more products and services. Consumers also search to find the best deal as businesses scramble to make the sale. Many argue that politicians do too much to try to gain more votes. Some think that the legal objectives of the Federal Reserve are conflicting and do not provide clear direction for monetary policy. Purpose, incentives and outcomes are forever linked.
In the kingdom, our purpose is clear. All citizens in the kingdom should have the same purpose. All churches should have the same mission. Jesus paid the price for us. His divine pleasure is our incentive. Our King has promised us eternal life, treasures in heaven and an abundant life now. It does not matter whether the kingdom citizen is in ministry, business, teaching, government, media, medicine, writing, the home or the arts, the purpose is the same. Strategies and tactics will vary, but the purpose is the same. The Great Commission is our purpose.
In the Great Commission, Jesus assured us that He been given all authority in heaven and earth and that He would be with us forever. He gave us a three-part commission: to make disciples, to baptize (or ensure their baptism), and to teach obedience. The Great Commission assumes that we are disciples of our King, that we have been (or seeking to be) baptized and that we are striving to be obedient (repenting quickly and seeking His forgiveness if we fail).
“And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age,’” (Matt. 28:18-20, NASB).
If we have adopted the Great Commission as our purpose, we can fulfill it one person at a time, regardless of our station in life. We provide a witness with our peace, our optimism, our joy, our love, our diligence, our commitment to be always ethical, and when possible, our words and prayers. If we are faithful in fulfilling His purpose in our current situation, our King will expand our opportunities. God took a slave in prison and made him (Joseph) ruler of Egypt. He took a man (Steven) assigned to distribute food and made him an important example for the church and the future apostle Paul. The examples of a poor widow donating all she had to the temple and of a woman pouring perfume on our Lord’s head has inspired millions.
Before Jesus returned to our Father, He indicated the importance of the Holy Spirit whom He would send. He explained how the Holy Spirit would help us and empower us to witness throughout the world. This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost.
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you,” (John 16:7, NASB).
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth,” (Acts 1:8, NASB).
Have we received the baptism of the Spirit? If not, are you seeking it? Jesus taught that it was to our advantage that He go away so that He could send the Holy Spirit. Are we in regular fellowship with the Spirit as the Bible instructs us? Are we seeking His guidance? Are we obedient to His prompting? Are we relying on the gifts and fruit of the Spirit to accomplish our purpose?
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you,” (John 16:7, NASB).
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all,” (2 Cor. 13:14, NASB).
Imagine what it would be like if all believers accepted the Great Commission as their personal purpose. A few weeks ago, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (a vocal Christian) collapsed on the field. In response, players, coaches and staff from both teams knelt in desperate prayer on national TV.
These prayers were joined by the nation and even some announcers. After Damar’s heart stopped and was restarted twice, he was eventually released from the hospital as the prayers of the nation were answered and Damar giving glory to God. Both of this year’s Super Bowl quarterbacks are vocal Christians.
“The Chosen” TV series has had nearly 500 million views from a global distribution. Based upon the Gospels, the free series is financed from user donations. A series of television commercials which promote Jesus (called “He gets us”), have been seen by millions including Super Bowl fans.
All these activities which promote His kingdom are occurring because some have accepted the divine mandate. What if the personal purpose of all believers was the Great Commission?
Thanks to the love of our Father, the sacrifice of our Lord, Savior and King, and the power and fellowship of the Holy Spirit, we have no excuses. We have the ability, we have the means, we have the capacity to change the world for His glory. Let us make His purpose our own.
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Dr. James R. Russell is a professor of economics at Oral Roberts University.
