Living with purpose implies you have a direction in mind. The Roman philosopher Seneca wisely observed, “When a man does not know what harbor he is headed for, then no wind is the right wind.” If you are to live with purpose you must have a sense of direction and move forward in the midst of uncertainly and ambiguity.
The reality is you will rarely have all the information you would like in making decisions. If you wait until you have all the information you’ll never get moving – you’ll be mired in indecision. (If you doubt me then just look at the government.) So what should you do when you’re unsure about making a decision? The book of James provides helpful advice,
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8)
Be willing to make decisions. Too many people fall victim to the “ready-aim-aim-aim-aim syndrome.” Harvey Cox writes, “Not to decide is to decide.” God is calling you to get into game, not to keep the score. Edmund Burke argues against inaction as he points out, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” We are not to act just for the sake of action, we must act wisely. Dave Barry points out, “If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant’s life, she will choose to save the infant’s life without even considering if there are men on base.”
What is a great task God is calling you to do? Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them. Victor Hugo writes, “The challenge is urgent; the task is difficult; the time is now.” Seek God’s wisdom and then step out in faith.
Rick Higgins
Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University
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