Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…”
At the recent NFL Honors banquet, Damar Hamlin, the Buffalo Bills football player who had a cardiac arrest during a nationally televised game on January 2, took the stage to a standing ovation. He said, “Sudden cardiac arrest was nothing I would have ever chosen to have been a part of my story, but that’s because sometimes our own visions are too small even when we think we’re seeing a bigger picture. My vision was about playing in the NFL and being the best player I could be. But God’s plan was to have a purpose greater than any game in this world.”
Whether it comes from our own limited perspective, from the world, or from the enemy of our souls, the human tendency to fall short of God’s greater purpose for our lives comes far too easily. We lean toward what keeps us comfortable and cozy. Something that allows us to remain in bubbles of self-absorption.
If you don’t think this is true, consider some of the “taglines” of our culture—taglines companies pay millions of dollars to create because they will resonate with consumers. For example, Just Do It! Nike encourages us to follow our passion. Just do what WE want to do. But history reveals a long list of broken hearts and disillusioned dreamers who used their feelings to lead them. McDonald’s summons us to choose what WE love, no matter the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. As long as we sing, I’m Lovin’ It, we’re good to go. Lays’ Betcha’ Can’t Eat Just One appeals to our tendency to indulge ourselves. Snack on those potato chips till we roll off the couch. And what about that draw to rugged individualism. Dodge drivers are the ones who Grab Life by the Horns.
I’m not trying to criticize these products. But God’s purpose for each of entails more than just being satisfied with what makes us feel good in the moment.
The Lord told Jeremiah he has a plan for us. Let’s go for the whole thing! It will be different for each of us. Unique. Purposeful. And far greater than any of the world’s taglines. Don’t settle for less.