Living your life with compassion and purpose transforms you by Rev. Dr. James H. Hudson

Originally published by the Erie-Times News on October 3, 2020

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (King James Version)

A number of years ago, Pastor Rick Warren wrote a book titled, “The Purpose Driven Life.” In that book, he comments on many things that we can do to improve the quality of our lives by staying in tune with God.

Our purpose is not just to satisfy ourselves but rather a journey into the service of others through the precious gifts, promises, talents, and abilities that he has provided to us for his glory, our growth, and hospitable giving.

This past month, I was struck by the tragic death of actor Chadwick Boseman when I discovered that he lived the last four years of his life with pain-racking colon cancer, not revealing it to many people, yet he continued to work and provide seven additional thought-provoking movies which stirred the collective cultural consciousness of the global community. Additionally, he provided much of his time to giving hope to hospitalized children suffering from a similar malady as his. Seemingly, God has a purpose for all of us, no matter how small or large.

Living a life of compassion and purpose involves a commitment to being a true servant of Christ. That would give us meaning and value in a world that seems to be rapidly decaying under a moral and ethical morass of inappropriate behaviors, actions, and activities.

God has a plan for our lives. We may not understand it but it is to work out for our good even during the difficult times we may encounter in this life. Yes, it can mollify some of the tough choices people choose to make today including racial tensions, strife, and general apathy.

But, in the end analysis, at the end of the day, God gets the glory. Praises be to God. Live your life with compassion and purpose. It will transform who you are.