The Metamorphyx Journey: Part III
The Metamorphyx Journey: Part III
The Essence of Life Purpose Contemplation
As we direct our focus in this series to Life Purpose Contemplation, let’s not abandon the larger context and destination of The Metamorphyx Journey. Our compass needle is always pointed to compelling Life Purpose: Living for God’s Glory in every stage of life we are called to. As we delve deeper into The Metamorphyx Journey, stay zeroed-in on the illustrations to bolster your understanding.
Life Purpose Contemplation leans heavily on the human responsibility side of the life purpose equation. No, God’s Sovereignty is never up for grabs, but take note. We human creatures are invited into the inner circle of God’s plan for our lives . . . nothing short of active partnership in the process God uses to illuminate our life purpose pathway. Think of it this way: there’s a common (and eternal) life purpose for all believers—and a unique (and earth-bound) life purpose for us individually. Take a quick glance back at The Metamorphyx Journey Parts I & II to refresh your memory on that premise.
Probing the depths of the life purpose journey, we discover a rather startling reality. Consider this: if I’m planning a truly fantastic diving experience to the Cayman Islands (which I’ve done many times!), I’ll meticulously plan the trip. Everything from my plane ticket to a painstaking survey of my SCUBA gear before I ever venture into the sea. For most of us, time allocated to vacation planning supersedes any Life Purpose Contemplation by a nautical mile! Painful truth . . . but true!
In The Metamorphyx Journey: Part II we noted that a “hasty rush” from Life Experience to Life Change can be risky if we permit a life experience wave to capsize our ship of life. When that happens, biblical wisdom and prayerful deliberation goes overboard with us—and God’s sovereign work in our lives is lost. (See Romans 8:28-29).
Life Purpose Contemplation, in the above context, leads to a more measured and restrained outcome. It embraces an eternal perspective on life—but also recognizes that in the temporal zone of planet Earth, we’ll have “trouble” (John 16:33) . . . that we’re called to Life Change (Romans 12:2) . . . and we are to learn from Jesus. (Matt 11:29)
It's not hard to understand that rogue waves in our lives create circumstantial Pivot Points. These are characterized by an ENTRY point into a set of circumstances which may extend to months or years. Pivot Points (like Google Maps) “recalculates” the normal trajectory of life. They are ultimately destined to produce Life Change and “new outcomes” . . . but not before a validating “Speak Lord!” assessment. Pivot Points introduce a choice or a decision, but also reveal new possibilities and pathways. They beg two crucial questions: “What is God up to?” and, “How will I respond?” The first question is anchored in God’s Sovereignty; the second in Human Responsibility (trace those phrases on the master graphic). Here’s how some well-known biblical characters dealt with Pivot Points in their lives.
§ The prodigal son faced a Pivot Point in life when he “squandered his wealth in wild living” . . . and finally “came to his senses.” (Luke 15:13-17) His response? Life change and a new pathway. Humbled by his waywardness, the younger brother headed home. Think about it . . . Is there a “waywardness” in your life that must be left behind?
§ Take the famously impulsive apostle Peter; he also faced a dramatic Pivot Point. After denying Christ for the third time (Matt 26:74), the prophetic rooster crowed, searing into his mind what Jesus had earlier declared. His response? A bold new direction! Peter was forgiven and became the gospel ambassador to first century Jews, not a deflated victim and failure. Think about it . . . Is there a “rooster” in your life that should launch a new calling?
§ King David, of Goliath fame, could arguably be the king of Pivot Points. One installment was initiated by Nathan who confronted David with raw truth about Bathsheba and his role in her assassinated husband (2 Samuel 12:7). His Response? Humility, repentance, authorship of the ever-powerful Psalm 51 (among many others) . . . and a new spiritual awakening. Think about it . . . Is there a “truth” in your life that should usher in a spiritual awakening?
But wait! Before we enthusiastically embrace Life Change and charge down a new corridor of life, have we had a validating chat with God? “Speak Lord!” is our plea—and it fulfills the gritty Life Purpose Contemplation efforts we should undertake. Here again, we find great encouragement in God’s Word and the biblical portraits it presents. Says Samuel before he approaches Eli with a dreaded message, “Speak, Lord for your servant is listening,” (1 Sam 3:9).
The apostle Paul also faced a providential Pivot Point on the road to Damascus (enabled by a divine lightning bolt!) But Paul also “listened” for a validating message from the Lord before embracing Life Change. “Who are you, Lord?” asked Paul.
“I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting . . . Arise and go into Damascus: and there you will be told what to do,” (Acts 22:7-10).
Let’s be clear as we wrap up: Life Purpose Contemplation is serious business. We must recognize the shadows and indicators of Pivot Points in our lives. Similarly, we must seek God’s validation of new pathways in life. If we are intentional and faithful in those pursuits, we will not hastily rush from Life Experience to wrong-direction Life Change. In fact, quite the opposite. We will be Living as a Life Learner . . . with our compass needle pointed at Life Purpose: Living for God’s Glory.
Together on The Metamorphyx Journey,
Tom
“This is what the LORD says, ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths; ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls,’” (Jeremiah 6:16)
More on Life Purpose Contemplation can be found in Part 1: chapter 7 of Metamorphyx.. Read , enjoy, and apply it in your life.
Metamorphyx: Embracing Life Experience, Life Change, and Life Purpose and The Metamorphyx Study Guide can be found on Amazon, B&N and Apple iTunes in print and e-formats.