Serve God’s Purpose in Your Own Generation

As Christians, many of us feel like we are simply not doing enough. When we hear stories of missionaries who gave up their comforts and left their homes, or see the examples of great evangelists who travel the globe proclaiming the good news, we reckon that what we are doing for the Kingdom is not enough. However, while in some cases we should be convicted and inspired to live out God’s calling, I was recently encouraged by a verse in the book of Acts that helped me sort out these thoughts. 

In Acts 13, the Apostle Paul is preaching in a synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia. He speaks to both Jews and Gentiles, and in his sermon, he uses a lot of Old Testament history to point to Jesus. At one point, Paul speaks about David, which brings us to verse 36. Here, Paul proclaims, “For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption.” 

Although he was not perfect, David did many mighty works for the Lord in his life. When he was young, the Lord defeated the Philistine giant, Goliath, through him. He became King of Israel despite opposition from Saul. As a musician, he penned many of the Psalms we cherish today. He united the tribes of Israel, established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel, and helped his son, Solomon, prepare to build the temple (“Acts 13:36 – in Pisidian Antioch”). 

However, in the New Testament, Paul describes these accomplishments simply by saying that David served the purpose of God in his own generation. Then he died, was buried with his ancestors, and his body decayed. 

As Christians today, many of us have an unspoken guilt or pressure to work as hard as we possibly can for the Lord, or else we think we will fail God, or that somehow God’s mission will be hindered. But friend, be encouraged that your responsibility is the same as David’s: serve the purpose of God in your own generation. 

This is comforting because you and I are not responsible for saving the entire world. You don’t have to be the next Jim Elliot or Billy Graham. In fact, none of us will be, because both of these men did the same as David: they served the purpose of God in their own generation, and now they are with the Lord. 

Yet, while that might sound nice, it brings us to an important follow-up question: what is the purpose of God for me?

God’s purpose for every one of His children is to:

• Love God with everything you are and love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:30–31)
• Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
• Make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. (Matthew 28:19–20)
• Live in unity, showing Christ’s character to others. (Colossians 3:12–17)
• Lead a pure life, living quietly and working hard. (1 Thessalonians 4:1–12)

This is not an easy life we are called to. But if you are in the center of God’s will, you don’t have to worry that you are not doing enough. David wasn’t responsible for anything before or after his time, and neither are you. He simply served God’s purpose in his own time.

We have the same mission. Don’t get caught up in comparing your calling to another Christian’s. Instead, seek the Lord. Read His Word and obey it. Do His will as it is revealed in the Bible. 

When we fall asleep and are laid to rest, may it be said of us that we served the purpose of God in our own generation.