The Bible: Avengers Version
"I am Loki of Asgard and I am burdened with glorious purpose..."
After arriving on earth, shattering a government stronghold to bits, and taking two people as his mind-controlled slaves, these are the words Avengers' character Loki chooses to introduced himself. They are certainly intriguing-- a strange way to describe oneself that leaves the viewer wondering what exactly the long, dark-haired Tom Hiddleston means.
However, I did not include this quote to open a lengthy discussion about the character development of Loki in the recent box office hit. Instead, I felt that it describes very well what it means to be a Christian.
After all, we are all burdened with glorious purpose.
First, we all have a purpose. Forwarding the kingdom of God and bringing glory to Him are general ones, but we are also placed on the Earth for a specific role in God's plan. The prophet Jeremiah was told by God when He was called, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). Perhaps you were not called to be a prophet, but a social worker, a mother, a construction worker, or a friend. God does not leave us to find something helpful to do. He has a plan in store, and because it is from Him, we can be certain it is glorious.
But why the choice of the word "burdened"? Well, from our point of view as children of God, we know that to be a part of God's plans is a blessing. Still, the culture will call us "burdened" because we must sometimes choose to pass up the things that will only bring momentary pleasure for those that will last eternally. We know that when we chase money, fame, or power, we are turning away from God's plans for our lives. If these things are given to us by Him, then they are not bad, but when they are our end goal, we have created idols.
We must realize that some of the things we are offered today do not even begin to compare to the future we will find in God. When we fulfill the purpose He has given us, then we find true prosperity and contentment. Still, we must learn to say no to the tempting but fleeting pleasure of the moment when it is called for. We must learn to not be distracted as we seek something greater.
I am Jessica of Indiana, and I am not burdened with glorious purpose.
After arriving on earth, shattering a government stronghold to bits, and taking two people as his mind-controlled slaves, these are the words Avengers' character Loki chooses to introduced himself. They are certainly intriguing-- a strange way to describe oneself that leaves the viewer wondering what exactly the long, dark-haired Tom Hiddleston means.
However, I did not include this quote to open a lengthy discussion about the character development of Loki in the recent box office hit. Instead, I felt that it describes very well what it means to be a Christian.
After all, we are all burdened with glorious purpose.
First, we all have a purpose. Forwarding the kingdom of God and bringing glory to Him are general ones, but we are also placed on the Earth for a specific role in God's plan. The prophet Jeremiah was told by God when He was called, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5). Perhaps you were not called to be a prophet, but a social worker, a mother, a construction worker, or a friend. God does not leave us to find something helpful to do. He has a plan in store, and because it is from Him, we can be certain it is glorious.
But why the choice of the word "burdened"? Well, from our point of view as children of God, we know that to be a part of God's plans is a blessing. Still, the culture will call us "burdened" because we must sometimes choose to pass up the things that will only bring momentary pleasure for those that will last eternally. We know that when we chase money, fame, or power, we are turning away from God's plans for our lives. If these things are given to us by Him, then they are not bad, but when they are our end goal, we have created idols.
We must realize that some of the things we are offered today do not even begin to compare to the future we will find in God. When we fulfill the purpose He has given us, then we find true prosperity and contentment. Still, we must learn to say no to the tempting but fleeting pleasure of the moment when it is called for. We must learn to not be distracted as we seek something greater.
I am Jessica of Indiana, and I am not burdened with glorious purpose.
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