Living on Purpose

By Paul Chappell

"And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king… But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself."

Daniel 1:5, 8

When the Empire State Building in New York City officially opened in 1931, it was the tallest building in the world. The architectural firm of Shreve, Lamb and Harmon designed the building from the top down. The quality of their work was tested in 1945 when a B-25 bomber flying in thick fog struck the side of the building. Although, tragically, fourteen people were killed in the accident, the building itself reopened the following Monday.

Strength and stability do not come accidentally. If you see a person who has been a consistent and faithful Christian for many years, it is not a coincidence; it is the result of purposeful decisions they have made and followed over time. No one accomplishes great things for God by drifting.

When your purpose is certain and settled, you do not allow obstacles to keep you from achieving your goal. The strength of Daniel’s character was rooted in his commitment to his God. Before he declined the meat and wine which would have violated the Old Testament dietary laws, he had already “purposed in his heart” to live for God.

Paul, too, lived with purpose. In Philippians 3:14, he wrote, "I press toward the mark…." The Greek word he used is such a strong word that it is sometimes translated “persecute.” That represents the level of commitment and purpose that prepares us to do great things for God.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Make it your purpose to honor and obey God and then follow through on that commitment no matter what happens.