Verses on Purpose: Galatians 3:3
“Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit are you now trying to attain your goal through human effort?”
You are here on purpose. Throughout the Bible “verses on purpose” declare this truth. Sometimes even a TV show like Star Trek affirms it.
Captain Kirk says, “Warp speed Mr. Sulu.” Instantly the Starship Enterprise accelerates to 5 times faster than the speed of light.
Light travels at a speed of 670,616,629 m.p.h. The space shuttle orbits the earth at 18,000 m.p.h. So it would take the space shuttle over 100 years to travel as far as the U.S.S. Enterprise would in a single hour. Now that’s power!
Most scientists believe warp speed is impossible. It’s not feasible to generate enough power for warp speed. So here’s a question. Why do you – and every other believer – try to live the Christian life in your own power? It’s impossible; in fact, it’s insane! As Einstein famously said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.”
Only God has Spirit power! Humans possess only human power! Unless the Spirit has full control of your life you’ll be unable to live a Christ-like life. Similarly, the only way to fulfill your purpose on earth is in the power of the Holy Spirit.
So please ask yourself the question Paul asked the Galatians. “Are you trying to attain your goal through human effort?” Don’t be so foolish! “… ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6b).
c 2010 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
