When should I be satisfied?

I was listening to a sermon by Rob Bell today. I believe the title was "What about him?". It was about the history of man asking "What about him?" when confronted by God regarding issues in his own life. Ever since Adam we've been pointing at someone else to blame. We've been uncomfortable with who we are and try to divert God's or everyone elses's attention from our issues by pointing to others. Even Peter did it when Jesus was asking him "Do you love me?".

I was backed into a corner with me and my Master. He was asking me if I'm comfortable with who He's made me to be, if I'm content or satisfied with "my lot in life" as He decides it should be. He brought me face to face with the tenth commandment in a new way. All too often I look at all that others have and think, "God, why can't You bless me like that?" or "I wonder if I'd done this defferently if I would or could be in that place." No, I'm not covetting my neighbors wife, man servant, nor his maid servant. I'm not trying to figure out how to get any of those things, but I just might be trying to figure out how to get an iPod like that, or a car that's still in warranty, or a house I can call my own. In my heart, the greener grass on the other side of the fence has established a deep seeded covetousness that I have to give up. And so today, I ask my Father and King to forgive me for breaking His law. I ask not only for His grace in forgiveness, but for His mercy and beneficence in restoring me or instructing me in ways to find satisfaction and pleasure in my spot, His perfect will for me. I seek this gift not only for myself but for my family. I need coaching and mentoring in my thought life, my lifestyle, my attitudes and in the way I act and react to my family. For you see, they quite often become my surrogates, my proxy, my excuse. I think, "They deserve better than this, God. They are worthy of so much more.", when in truth I'm saying "I deserve better. I want more. What You've done and what You're doing isn't good enough. You can do better."

This one may take a little time, but I know that You will be faithful to complete the good work You've started in me. Make it so, Master. Make it so.

Where do I go from here?

What is my purpose? Why am I here? I can't say how many times I've heard these questions asked, let alone how many times I may have asked them myself. It may be a new job, or changes at home, and even figuring out my status and funcvtion at school. All of these instances have extracted a sense of wonder and even concern about what I'm supposed to do or be.

The funny thing is that the answer whispers in my ear every moment of every day. I was created in the likeness and image of God for the purpose of glorifying Him. It seems to simplistic, but there it is. I have a purpose. I have "the" purpose. I am to glorify God in what I do, in what I think, ultimately in who I am.

Is that even possible?

Yes, it is. He has always been drawing me, calling me, leading me closer and closer to Himself. He, in fact, even sent His Son to show me who I am and why I'm here. In order for me to realize my purpose, the reason for my existence Jesus Christ paid my passage, drew up the adoption papers in order for me to recognize that I am to be God's and He is to be mine. Jesus made the way for me to see that I exist for His glory.

This realization is freeing. I know who I am, Whose I am, and what I am to do. I am to glorify Him.

That's all fine and dandy, but where do I go from here? This is what is so cool about being His, He has plans, instructions, and has provided me with unique giftings so that if I listen to Him, always and only to Him, that He will always show me where to go, what to do, and how to be in order to glorify Him the best.

I'm not saying that I'm a mindless automoton. I simply am saying that He makes it pretty plain. He made me just the way i am, with these desires, these aspirations, and with this skill set to shine on Him just the right hues and shades so that others might see Him in just the right way so they too can know who they are and why they are here.

May it be so. May I always listen for His voice and seek His Word, that I may know where He wants me, and being who I am will show just the right hints of Him to those around me so that He is glorified. I long to make Him smile.