Born For A Purpose: Define Your Legacy

We are all born with a unique purpose, a reason that we often can’t see until we dare to take the risks necessary to discover it. Life may seem as though it's laid out on a predetermined path, with every twist and turn scripted in advance. But at some point, each of us will face a pivotal moment—a defining trial that shapes our legacy. How we navigate these moments, no matter how daunting or uncomfortable, is entirely up to us.

The story of the Hebrew midwives in ancient Egypt beautifully illustrates this point. The narrative goes:

"The king of Egypt spake to the Hebrew midwives...and he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive...Therefore God dealt well with the midwives: and the people multiplied, and waxed very mighty. And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses." — Exodus 1:15-21

Who would have thought that these humble midwives, often overlooked in their day, would have their courage remembered for generations? Charged with a harrowing command to kill every male newborn of the Hebrew women, they instead chose to follow their faith and defy the king’s orders, risking their lives and livelihoods in the process. Their decision to honor their spiritual convictions over the demands of earthly power not only solidified their legacy, but also ensured their rewarded to have families of their own.

These midwives had one primary role: to assist in the birth of others. But their legacy became so much more than mere attendants to new life; it became a testament to the power of conscience and the courage to act against injustice. Their actions remind us that our reality isn’t confined to what we see or the roles we’re given. We are called to do more than merely observe life—we are called to shape how life is both understood and expressed in the world.

We are not given the gift of our belief to remain passive onlookers, watching others take the stage in life’s grand drama. Instead, we have a responsibility to nurture our inner selves, to grow and refine our understanding, and to share a piece of our self this with others. Each of us carries a unique essence, a personal fragrance that resonates with others who share a similar spirit. It is our duty to cultivate this essence, not to hoard it, but to let it blossom and spread as a blessing to the world.

Though the world may be stubborn and deeply entrenched in its ways, our purpose might not be to change it outright but to ignite a spark—one that lights the way for others to reconsider their own paths. We cannot contribute meaningfully to the world if we simply uphold traditions or systems that we know are flawed. True impact comes from courageously stepping into our knowledge, growing it, and letting it guide us to new, uncharted territories.

So, the question we must ask ourselves is this: Will we continue to play the supporting role, assisting in the birth of others’ dreams, or will we muster the courage to nurture our own? Will we dare to bring forth a legacy that stands in defiance of the conventional and speaks to a higher truth?

Looking to the example of the Hebrew midwives, we should understand that the greatest reward awaits those who are bold enough to align their actions with acquired wisdom. Their legacy teaches us that true courage is not just about defying earthly authority but about staying true to the philosophical convictions that guide our conscience. For those who dare to act in harmony with this higher calling, the path may not be easy, but the reward—a life of meaningful impact and enduring legacy—makes every risk worthwhile.

Ultimately, we are all called to do more than simply exist. We are here to challenge, to question, to grow, and to uplift. We are here to leave a mark, not just in the stories of others, but in the very fabric of our shared human experience.

Are You Thinking Critically About What You Think You Know?

In the quest for knowledge, are you genuinely understanding, or merely possessing information? There's a significant difference between truly comprehending something and simply accepting the opinions of so-called "experts." Often, what we consider knowledge is just an interpretation of religious texts by self-proclaimed authorities. When we discuss the Bible, we frequently echo the sentiments of pastors or theologians rather than sharing insights gained from our own critical examination.

Why is it so crucial to understand and prove what you believe? It’s not unusual to care deeply about the foundation of your faith. Yet, many are content to inherit knowledge without personal investigation. Instead of delving into the Bible themselves, they rely on interpretations from supposed religious leaders and scholars. This approach stifles the intellect and undermines our spiritual growth.

We possess brains, hearts, and minds for a reason—to think critically and feel deeply. The Bible encourages this kind of reflective practice, stating, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning,” (Proverbs 9:9).

Do you realize that much of what you learn from religious leaders isn't considered Bible-based understanding? Many pastors and scholars merely propagate interpretations rooted in tradition and philosophy rather than the undefiled wisdom of the Bible. This is why it's essential to scrutinize and validate your beliefs through personal study and reflection.

The Bible often speaks of “the sons of men” and “the sons of God.” For instance, Solomon distinguishes between the labor given to the sons of men and the wisdom, knowledge, and joy granted to the good in God’s sight (Ecclesiastes 2:26). In biblical terms, a “son” isn't just a literal offspring but a messenger or minister of religious doctrine. Likewise, a “man” symbolizes a priest, prophet, or spiritual leader.

A “son of man” thus represents someone whose spiritual understanding is derived from previous religious traditions and teachings. This inherited knowledge can sometimes overshadow the original vision of the Bible. The “sons of men” are often caught up in philosophical interpretations, blinding them to the true essence of biblical wisdom. I have given a presentation on who the sons of men and the sons of God are.

To develop a profound understanding of the Bible, we must personally engage with its words. This means moving beyond the secondhand interpretations offered by others and cultivating our own insights. As we critically analyze and weigh what we've been taught against the actual text, we can attain a deeper comprehension of our belief.

We need to be able to answer the question: Who am I? By critically examining our beliefs, we become proficient in the Bible's language of wisdom. This transformation is urged in Romans 12:2: “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

We are designed to think and to feel, to labor wisely with our hearts and minds. Embracing critical thinking and “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) leads to sure knowledge that we can live by. This journey involves both learning and unlearning, guided by acquired wisdom from the Bible, for our personal growth and the edification of those around us.

We have a responsibility to nurture our faith’s intellect. Remaining solely under the teachings of the “sons of men” can limit our spiritual understanding. Instead, by examining the Bible personally and critically, we can discover its profound truths and apply them to our lives. This approach not only enriches our own spiritual journey but also benefits those within our influence, fostering a community grounded in the Bible’s true wisdom.

Blind Love and Unseen Faith: Rethinking Religious Tradition and True Righteousness

“They" say that love is blind. Is this true? While we may not fully comprehend the mechanisms or timing of love, we undoubtedly embrace its mystery in our lives. How is it that we see and acknowledge what we cannot understand? How do we, in matters of faith, care for what is unseen?

This question strikes at the core of religion, which often assures its followers that through adherence to laws, deeds, beliefs, and rituals, we care for the "body" of our faith, which is ultimately invisible. But does the Bible support this method of caring for our faith? Is the saying wrong, “If righteousness comes by the law, then Christ died in vain”? (Galatians 2:21)

This passage illuminates our query. By applying our faith to "righteousness," we nurture it correctly. But what is "righteousness" in this context? According to the passage, "righteousness" is equated with religious laws, rituals, policies, theories, rites, and ceremonies. Yet, the author argues that this traditional religious approach is not the true definition of righteousness.

If this form of worship and service were acceptable, then the chief apostle of the living God died for nothing. This assertion is bold. Observing our religious traditions, we find practices that the book of Galatians advises against. The author of Matthew echoes this sentiment, stating:

"I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven," Matthew 5:20.

What is the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? They reject the commandment of God to keep their own tradition, Mark 7:9, and the prophet says, "This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men," Isaiah 29:13. Their "righteousness" is performing traditional religious law for supposed divine favor.

This much is true: maintaining our faith through religious laws and traditions is a form of devotion the Bible does not endorse. This practice is unhealthy because it creates a false sense of devotion through routine, convincing the individual they are favored by their actions. According to the Bible, this act is misguided.

What opposes the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees? What counters traditional religious thought and feeling? The scriptures advise, "Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind," Romans 12:2, and, "Concerning the work of my hands command ye me," Isaiah 45:11, and, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom," Psalm 111:10.

We nourish our spiritual body with spiritual food. The sustenance for our faith is the wisdom gained from challenging the scriptures to prove themselves. Yes, we can demand proof of the Creator's work! Yes, the living God expects us to question and engage with the scriptures! Yes, we have the right to confront the living God about our personal and devotional struggles! This is expected of us.

We argue with our siblings, spouses, associates, and friends for respect, but we shy away from questioning the living God. Does that make sense?

"Let me not argue with God," we think. "Let me either commit to ritual and silently please the “God” I'm too afraid to engage with, or abandon the act and despise the one I need to confront," we continue. Does this make sense? Instead of turning to the source of our experience, we hide within ourselves or seek solace in others' consciences. Does this make sense?

True care for our faith is demonstrated through our engagement with the living God. Though there is no physical figure to argue with, it doesn't mean it's impossible. We argue with the living God by thoughtfully, patiently, and privately wrestling with the scriptures. "Care," according to the Bible, is shown through exercising our minds on what troubles us. If we do this, it will be said of us, "The LORD hath loved him," Isaiah 48:14.