“What do REALLY you want to do with your life?”

On face value, it seemed a straightforward question. But as the discourse progressed, it was clear most didn’t have clarity of their life’s purpose at the time.

Take life seriously

What truly matters in life isn’t the size of your investment portfolio or how much career success you achieve. If you don’t fulfill your purpose on earth, it’s ultimately a wasted life.

Without a clear purpose and a commitment to your calling, you haven’t started living. Your time on earth is so limited that the risk of not walking in your God-intended purpose is a tragedy.

So, take life seriously — live on and for purpose. Because, if you lose it (purpose), not much in life will make sense.

I want you to consider three critical questions. Think and act on them as you embark on your journey to discovering and living out your purpose.

Q1: Are you presently aligned with God’s purpose?

To understand where you need to be, it’s often important to know where you are presently situated.

God asked Adam a pointed question he could not avoid in Genesis 3:8-9. It was a very direct and poignant question.

You must understand where you are today in the context of where God designed and intends you to be. Don’t be out of sync with your God-ordained calling. If you are, life will be a struggle.

God has a clear plan for your life — stay aligned with Him.

Q2: What’s your current trajectory of travel?

It’s one thing to pause and take stock of your current situation. But you must equally understand your current trajectory of travel.

Position and direction are not the same thing. You may be in a ‘good’ place today but on a direction of travel that is certain to be futile.

The journey of purpose compels you to make choices that may not be popular with others but is intentional. Sometimes you simply have to stop caring what the world thinks of you.

Keep your focus. Your obedience to God’s calling on your life is non-negotiable. Don’t play with your life.
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Is your life heading in the right direction?

Q3: What will you change today?

During the open discourse at my keynote, a student shared with the room how she’d lost her way in life. It was personal but very relatable to others in the room.

As I listened to her carefully, I knew she was ready for a change. But more importantly, she knew what needed to change.

Nothing changes until you make a change.

God has given you every deposit of grace to fulfill purpose. So, maximize it. And if you’re not, what will you do to change course?

Now, let me ask you: what do you REALLY want to do with your life?

Make it count!

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In the first part of this series, we affirmed that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone. We are not the ultimate agents of our salvation; God is.

In this post, I’d like to explore the 3 remaining important fundamentals on which our experience of saving grace stand.

Solus Christus | In Christ Alone

Here’s a reminder of the absolute triumph of Romans 5:15 from the earlier post:

For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.

Beyond the agencies of grace and faith, the Object of our salvation stands supreme. Grace and faith have no substance unless they are both anchored on Christ.

Christ is THAT One Man through whom the free gift of God’s grace abounds. We would be lost without His death and resurrection — 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

The songwriter says, In Christ alone, the wrath of God was satisfied and every sin was laid on Him.

There is an absolute joy that comes from knowing that your sins are forgiven. But beyond that, if you’re in Christ, you have the assurance of spending eternity with the One who paved the way for your redemption.

There is salvation in no one else but Christ alone — Acts 4:12.

Sola Scriptura | According to Scriptures Alone 

Sound biblical theology is central to our faith as followers of Jesus Christ. Living a bible-saturated life is fundamental in our walk with God.

In His birth, life, death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled scriptures — Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, 53:4-7, Micah 5:2. Any experience of salvation that is antithetical to biblical scriptures is a false gospel.

Our experience of God’s grace must be grounded in biblical scriptures. Otherwise, we run the risk of seeking a false grace that leads to eternal damnation.

God will NEVER act in opposition to His written Word as revealed in biblical scriptures. His grace always aligns with His logos.
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Beware of living and journeying outside the covering of biblical scriptures and assume you are in Christ. Both grace alone and faith alone, found in Christ alone must be anchored on biblical scriptures.

Soli Deo Gloria | For God’s Glory Alone

At the heart of our lives must be a desire to glorify God. We were created for this purpose — 1 Corinthians 10:31, Psalm 73:24-26.

The design of the gospel is to the end that God is glorified. It’s neither our design nor for our glory. It’s God’s.

And when we live a life wholly committed to God’s glory, we experience our deepest satisfaction in life and eternity.

Man’s chief aim is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.
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We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to scriptures alone.

And all, to the glory of God alone. He’s at the center of our salvation story and to Him alone belong the glory.

Photo by Alicia Quan on Unsplash.

Let me go ahead and state the core message of this article upfront: the gift of salvation through Christ is the greatest of all time! A Just and Righteous God justifies us on the account of Christ.

Are you born again? Are you in Christ? Do you have this greatest gift of all time? If not, or unsure, write to me and I will show you how.

Grace, MUCH MORE

In our daily family devotion through the book of Romans, we recently read chapter 5. Verse 15 stood out to me…

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.

Through the disobedience of Adam (and Eve), all mankind eternally stand condemned before a Holy God. We didn’t eat the forbidden fruit in Eden but share in the sinful nature resulting from Adam’s sin.

Through the fall, sin entered the world. And sin gave birth to death. And death, to eternal condemnation. Without something drastic taking place, all of humanity would be forever lost.

This is where Romans 5:15 absolutely triumphs. The grace of God by Jesus Christ stands MUCH MORE than the sin nature.

The reality of Romans 5:15 reminded me of the 5 important fundamentals on which our experience of saving grace stand. I will share these over a 2-part series.

Sola Gratia | By Grace Alone

We are saved by grace alone. Not by our good works or obedience to any commandment. Not even our response to an altar call.

When we repent of our sins, and follow Christ, God brings us into a deep spiritual reality. We are translated from sinners to saints, from slaves of sin to servants of God — 1 Peter 2:9.

But, this transformation is a free gift. No works or duty on our part earns us saving grace.

The Holy Spirit is the One at work stirring men’s heart to respond to the gospel. We can not take any credit for our salvation.

Ephesian 2:8-9 says:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Beware of boasting; if you are in Christ, you were saved by grace alone.

Sola Fide | Through Faith Alone

The second reality of God’s saving grace is that the instrument through which we obtain it is faith. For without faith, it is impossible to please God — Hebrews 11:6.

In His infinite mercies, God welcomes into His family those who put their faith in His only begotten Son. He makes us His sons and daughters, and secures our eternal destiny in Christ.
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God chose faith in Christ, not works, to be the agency that triggers His grace for our justification. He did this in His wisdom.

But, this is where some get it wrong; to assume that faith for salvation is an act of self-work. No, it is NOT. Philippians 2:13 says:

“It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

Even our expression of faith in our salvation experience is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit. It is God’s grace in action — Galatians 3:11.

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My frequent reflections always bring me back to the same conclusion — God did this!

Diving into the greatest letter ever written

God’s sovereign grace delivered me from sin. His favor brought me out of poverty. His faithfulness sustains me daily. I’ve remained in awe of the God who embraced me, in spite of me.

Indeed, the sure mercies of the Lord never fail — Lamentations 3:22-23.

Recently, we started a systematic study through the book of Romans at family devotion, after concluding the book of John.

Often regarded as the ‘Greatest Letter Ever Written’, Romans is a life-changing book. I encourage every Christian to study it carefully.

This weekend, Romans confronted us with deep spiritual truths in chapters 5 and 6.

We constantly need a biblical mindset shift

Let me share some of my family reflections.

Paul was conscious that his bold declaration about grace in Romans 5:20 could be misconstrued by some. He quickly brought the right theological balance to affirm that grace is not a license to sin.

Unfortunately, we must contend with the pervasive but false theology that affirms that ‘willful’ sinning is covered by grace. This demonic theology is killing many Christians spiritually. It’s a false hope which the Bible never offers.

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”

To live the God-intended life, we must first have a bible-saturated mindset. This mindset aligns with God’s perspective on the sin nature and acts of sinning. It also aligns with His call on us to live holy.

Let me share a few biblical and foundational truths that Christians must be persuaded about in our walk with God.

#BiblicalTruth 1: Jesus died to set us free from the power of sin

Jesus came to set us free from the power of sin, not only forgive our sins. Unless you believe this, you will never be truly free to live a Christ-exalting life.

When Jesus approached John to be baptized, the latter declared:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! — John 1:29.

Notice it says the sin, not just sins. Christ’s death on the Cross makes provision for our freedom from the sin nature, not just our acts of sinning.

Paul explains in Romans 6:6-7 that Christ died to end the rule of sin over us. If you are ‘dead’ in Christ, you must also be free from the bondage of sin. Also, read 1 John 3:8.

Believe this and be free.

#BiblicalTruth 2: Christians don’t make a habit of sinning

Christ followers do not make a habit of sinning, or seek to justify their errors if they fall. They repent quickly and seek Christ’s forgiveness and mercy — 1 John 1:9.

Our complete perfection will come on the other side of eternity, not in this life. But that is no excuse not to embrace the design of the gospel for our present holiness.
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As we become more bible-saturated, we will experience the realities of the gospel. Being God-centered deepens our spiritual experiences as we read, study, and pray for these gospel truths and promises.

1 John 3:8-9 hit the perfect tone. Read it carefully and slowly:

Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.

Christians don’t make a practice of sinning. Instead, they make daily war against all sinful enticements that threaten their holiness — Galatians 5:17, 1 Peter 2:11. We can’t belong to God and keep the devil’s DNA.

Believe this and be free.

#BiblicalTruth 3: Our sanctification and holiness is by design

Sanctification is God’s provision for our progressive purity as we stay committed to the pursuit of Christ. It is an indispensable gift of grace for all true followers of Jesus.

We don’t become sinless or lose the capacity to ever sin in our lifetime, but by daily growth in sanctification, we experience deeper grace that empowers us to hate the appeal of sin, and find Christ more precious above all else.
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Our sanctification and holiness is part of the gospel design, not an optional experience. Without it, we can’t survive the devil’s assault on our faith and love for God.

But remember, that our sanctification is not the product of our good behavior. Rather, it is the work of grace on God’s part in willing and yielded hearts.

God is the One making us holy, and the outworking of anything good in us is a due response of that inward purification — 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

Believe this and be free.

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But as followers of Christ, we are reassured, knowing that death is only the beginning of eternal bliss for believers.

Between days in recent weeks, my local church lost a couple of faithful believers. It has been a difficult season. But, we have equally seen God’s strength and encouragement on display.

Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” 

Finding hope in God’s unshakable Word

As Christians, we do not grieve without hope. But that doesn’t mean the process of losing a loved one is any less difficult.

Jesus expressed grief at Lazarus’ tomb. He didn’t bottle up his feelings; He wept. We also have wept.

Notwithstanding, I have been personally encouraged by how 2 Corinthians 6:10 has been evident in our church community in recent weeks: “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us that “we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.”

Though we mourn, our anchor rests on the Word of God and the testimony of Christ’s resurrection. Because He lives, we also will live — John 11:23-27, 14:19.

Finding comfort in the community of believers

Grieving seasons can be difficult to handle. They stir up many emotions in the present and raise questions about the uncertainty of the future.

But staying in the community of believers can be a significant source of hope and eventually of clarity.

We were not created to ‘do life’ alone. As a church, I have been encouraged by how we lean on one another to get through grief.

Whether it’s in our corporate meetings or small groups, we must share the burdens of the grieving. We are called to be the ‘face’, ‘hands’ and ‘feet’ of Jesus to others.

The church community is a sure source of strength that God designed to get us through grieving seasons. And sometimes, we do it best with less words and more of our presence.

Sometimes sitting in silence can be more healing than a thousand words — Anonymous.

Finding clarity in knowing the essence of life

James 4:14 challenges us to consider a critical question — “What is your life?”

This is a destiny-defining question. Your life is not your work, family or church. These are enablers. The essence of our lives is much more.

And death is a humble reminder that (if Jesus tarries), nobody lives forever in this current world. Not even Methuselah.

The reality of death should instill a view of eternity that compels us to be intentional. This life is short and we must make it count for eternity.
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James would further remind us that “you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.“

Vapor is ephemeral and transient; so are we in this life. Consequently, nothing else should hold our utmost attention than living the God-intended life in the short time we have.

Final encouragement

If you are grieving today, be reminded that we have a Christ who shares our pain, a Church that surrounds us, and a hope in God’s word that will never fail.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” — Revelation 21:4.

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We have all been there; health challenges, money pressure, complex family dynamics, toxic work environment, and the list goes on.

Stand firm in your faith, regardless

Life often surprises us. It can make us question our faith or challenge the fundamentals of our core values. But you must stay on your guard in trying seasons.

I love how the Amplified Bible encourages us in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to:

Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong.

None of us is immune from life’s challenges. Nevertheless, the Bible encourages us to stand firm in our faith regardless.

Sometimes, God stops us from walking through the fire. Other times, He walks right with us in and through it
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And both are measures of his sovereign grace in our lives. When God permits tough situations, it is never without a purpose.

God’s great work through pain

A key focus for me this year is paying close attention to God’s purpose in every circumstance. God never works without purpose, even in our pain.

We want to avoid pain at all cost. But you can’t fulfill purpose or follow God’s agenda for your life without pain. It is often through our trials that God develops strength, resilience and character in us. And we learn to depend on Him more.

God desires to do a great work in us through the pain He permits in our lives. But, notice it is primarily a work in us before it’s anything through us.

The Cross was a product of unimaginable pain on Christ but the result remains glory for all eternity.

So embrace your seasons, with your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus.

It will come… only to pass

Each day, I’m reminded of God’s love. The universe tells of the glory, mercies and goodness of God all around us.

If you’re ever wondering if God really loves you, remember that He stepped into this broken world. He embraced its messiness. He did this to die and save you.

If you’re feeling disillusioned about life, turn to Jesus. Embrace His gift of Himself by faith and follow in His footsteps.

When you have God on your side, you will be equipped to face what life brings your way.

He doesn’t promise us a pain-free life; but He assures us He will be right there with us… every step of the way — Hebrews 13:5.

God is with you in your pain; stand firm in Him. Don’t give up any ground. In due season, this too will come but only to pass.

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Or are we to embrace our prevailing cultures like there isn’t more to life? Do we risk forgetting that this world is not our eternal resting place? Hebrews 13:14.

Indigenous or pilgrim: which do we embrace?

This tension is real and it is definitely one that many Christians often fail to balance properly.

I believe the answer to the question is not either or, but both. As Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17, He said something striking in verse 15:

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.

If Christ desired we lived excluded from society, this was the moment to teach it. Instead, He affirmed a balanced view.

Jesus acknowledged the need for us to live in the world. But He also recognized that we must hold on to core values that are different from it — John 17:16.

We are indigenous and must be ‘present’ and engaged in our communities as bearers of God’s love, empathy and compassion.

Having said that, we are also called to live like pilgrims on a heaven-ward journey.

1 John 2:15-17 warns us against worldliness and the danger of being in love with the leanings of the world. Its worldviews, passions and mindset are fundamentally contrary to Christ.

Life and all that this world has to offer are fleeting. We must consistently live with a true sense of eternal perspective in all we do.
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Impact people, live with eternal perspective

So, neither of both callings must be seen as mutually exclusive. We must balance both for tangible contribution to society and eternal impact for God’s kingdom.

While you have breath, embrace all the inspirations God lays on your heart. Use them to be an agent of change in society. Touch lives. Impact people. Create positive influence.

And while you do that, live with eternal perspective.

Eternity transcends life on earth and there is heaven with Jesus we can’t afford to lose — John 14:1-4.

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If you have a burning need to show off your success to others, you may have an underlying problem with discontentment.

Maybe not the exact words but it was something along those lines. And I agree.

Beware of discontentment

The issue is not the idea of sharing your achievements publicly but doing so with a constant ‘burning desire’.

I think that is problematic for a Christian in some ways, especially in the social-media culture we live in.

Our ‘relationship’ with social media can become an issue when unguarded. It can show our lack of contentment in who we are or what we have.

The danger is falling into the trap of valuing your worth through the success of others in comparison to yours. That’s subtly dangerous.

The Bible is full of counsels on contentment in varying circumstances and contexts. For instance, read 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Hebrews 13:5, Philippians 4:11-13, Luke 12:15 and many more.

Ultimately, as followers of Jesus Christ, our worth is found in Him. It is not in what we do, achieve, or own.

Life is not a competition

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling ‘oppressed’ by the successes and achievements of others. Life is not a competition.

On the flip side of the conversation, social media can sometimes cause an imbalance of representation. This happens when we leave out the not-so-good experiences and only celebrate how good we have it.

Don’t misunderstand me. There is a healthy dimension to social sharing and celebrating our journey.

In fact, we can encourage our community and network with our journey. Equally we can be inspired by others as well. And I belong to that camp.

But we must be wary of living for the social acceptance, praises and accolades of others.

One of the many enemies of living a fulfilled, purposeful life is COMPARISON.

Once again, life is definitely not a competition.

There is enough room

Your life is significantly more valuable than the ticks (of likes and re-shares) on a computer. Don’t embrace the ‘burning desire’ to always show off your achievements.

I have found it a healthy practice to consistently check my motive before sharing on social media.

A key lesson I’ve kept since the pandemic is embracing the power and joy of winning away from the spotlight. It helps me avoid the paralysis of measuring up.

The need to measure up and be like others will always hurt your true identity and calling. Your purpose is unique to you, you don’t need to seek the approval of others to live intentionally.
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Not everyone needs to constantly know or hear about how you’re winning, as long as you’re winning and living intentionally.

In a marathon, everyone is focused on their race. Focus on your legacy journey and stop comparing your life to others.

Instead, you must run your own race because there is enough room on the track.

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Romans 3:10, 23 perfectly encapsulate the state of humanity. In our deepest essence as mere mortals, we are not alright. We are sinners.

Our lament

Our natural leaning is to detach ourselves from God’s laws. We are not inclined, in our own capacity, to obey God.

We are ‘in love’ with our own lusts. We allow no incursion on our desires. We want no encroachment on our passions, and certainly no push back on our will.

We are rebels.

The created pushes his agenda above the Creator. The clay dictates to the Sculptor. And mortal man scorns his God.

We are not alright. We are sinners.

Our rescue

This lament condemns us to a hopeless eternity, unless there is One to save and deliver us. While this lament is true of man’s reality, it did not become finality for all. God did not let it be.

“but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23

God, in His infinite mercies, came to our rescue.

The Creator that we ignored came for us. The Sculptor that we dismissed came to us. The very God we scorned reached out for us – Romans 5:8.
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Hated, yet He loved. Disregarded, yet He persisted. God refused to give up on us. He found His lost coin, brought back His lost sheep and welcomed His prodigal home.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come — 2 Corinthians 5:17.

We are made right. We have become saints.

His story

The gospel of Christ is the greatest news of all. Those who have put their total faith in Him have gone from condemned to pardoned.

Though undeserving, we have been declared righteous. The unworthy have been chosen.

Our slate have been wiped clean. We are now reconciled to God.

This is our story. But more importantly, this is His story.

It’s the story of mercy received though undeserved, grace embraced yet unfathomed and joy unspeakable, now and in eternity.

He freely gives. We freely receive.

This is the story we are called to spread on earth with a relentless passion for His glory.

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I left home aged 12 to live in the city of Lagos, Nigeria. I lost my dad at 13. I became homeless at 17. I lived in a slum for 3 years. I nearly dropped out of high school, except for the intervention of my local church.  

These experiences can have a devastating impact on anyone’s outlook and life opportunities.

However, one decision that changed my story was ‘raising my hands’ and asking help from friends, acquaintances and even strangers.

No doubt, it left me vulnerable, but I had nothing to lose. I needed all the support I could get.

Turning the attention to leadership, leaders shy away from asking for help unless they really must. We often hold out until we are on the brink, at which point, it’s often too late sometimes.

No, you’re not self-made

We live in an era that values the ideology of being ‘self-made’. Achieving success on your own is often extolled as a virtue. Over the years, I’ve known leaders who embrace this ideology.

But I believe this ideology is a myth. Every vision, goal or project needs the support of others to succeed. Leaders must embrace the reality that we thrive best in community and cannot do it all by ourselves. No one is an island!

Leaders must be willing to accept vulnerability. This comes with raising your hands and enlisting support from others.

On a personal level, I’m a product of the collective support and investment of others.

Together, Everyone Achieves More

In professional basketball, you need your center, power forward, point guard and shooting guards on the wings.

Without the right pieces in place, you won’t have the right balance to win. Leaders must recognize when to lean on the strengths of others.

Don’t try to do life on your own or be the lone hero. Great leaders embrace the power of the collective and that’s what makes winning an easier and consistent reality.

Leaders who win develop a self-awareness of their strengths and weaknesses. They recognize their growth areas and seek help when required. And seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength.
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Why it’s OK to ask for help

So why does it matter for leaders to enlist support? With the right support network, you:

1. Create an outlet and platform to harness shared strengths to achieve a common goal.
2. Promote healthy collaboration that builds trust and provides an opportunity for shared learning and growth. Everyone brings their best version to the table when trusted to contribute. This has the potential to unlock hidden creativity and talents in a team.
3. Accelerate your personal growth as a leader by leaning on and learning from the wealth of experiences around you.
4. Create for yourself a sense of community, rather than struggling alone. Remember, leadership can often be a lonely place.

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