At California Baptist University, students are constantly encouraged to “Live Your Purpose.”
President Ellis mentions this goal in his campus addresses, it hangs on banners around the grounds and can be heard in most CBU-sponsored videos.
But what does it mean to live your purpose?
At CBU, a university committed to the Great Commission, a part of living your purpose includes committing to be a disciple for God.
The Bible lays out God’s over arching purpose for our lives in Exodus.
“But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth,” Exodus 9:15-17.
It is up to each individual to find his or her own way to fill this purpose.
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
In progressing through life it is important to keep this verse in mind. This verse is God’s command to follow His purpose as we seek to find ours.
No matter what you study or what career path you choose, you can make an impact for the kingdom of God.
We are made in the image of God and part of this concept is ensuring we represent him in all that we do.
Looking back in 1 Corinthians God gives us a similar and equally important command.
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others,” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24.
We learn that we are not saved by works alone but by the grace of God and the death of Jesus Christ. The verse above illustrates that there is still an importance in performing good works.
This is because in seeking the good of others we are spreading the grace and redemptive power of the Lord. This is our calling as disciples of God.
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved— and that by God,” Philippians 1:27-28.
At CBU students, staff and faculty provide an environment that allows all to grow in their faith and commitment to Christ and these commands.
It is up to each of us to be accountable for one another as we seek our purpose when we leave “the CBU bubble.”
Throughout the Bible, God has provided us with a road map for our lives, it is up to us to fill in the specifics in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.
During your time at this university keep in mind you are not only seeking to live your purpose but the purpose of God as well and through this you will be saved.
