When watching football game highlights, we frequently hear the words “impact player.” A player who makes a game-saving tackle, interception, catch, or scores the winning touchdown or field goal is referred to as an “impact player” for his performance. Unfortunately, the term is used so often that it carries little meaning.
Some people end up giving their lives for the sake of a cause or to serve someone other than themselves. Such a person was former Arizona Cardinals safety Pat Tillman. Tillman was a high-energy player in the NFL who gained fame for his unrelenting play and ability to rise to any challenge. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Tillman turned down a lucrative multi-million-dollar contract from the Cardinals to join the U.S. Army and serve his country. In the end, Pat Tillman lost his life not on the football field, but on the battlefield. He “served God’s purpose in his own generation.”
In a similar way, David’s life was not defined by perfection but by purpose. He stumbled, he sinned, and he failed. He experienced seasons of triumph and seasons of despair. Yet Scripture summarizes his life with this simple, profound statement: he “served God’s purpose in his own generation.” That was the measure of his life.
The same is true for us. We are not called to live in another time or to carry someone else’s assignment. God has placed us here, in this generation, at this time, with its unique challenges, opportunities, and needs. Your purpose is now. God has woven into you gifts, passions, skills, abilities, and experiences that were meant for this very moment in history.
Listen closely: Just like David, there will come a day when your work on earth is complete—not a moment too soon and not a moment too late. Until then, every breath is a chance to serve the purpose of God—whether through faithful obedience in small things, courage in difficult moments, or love that reflects Christ in a broken and hopeless world.
The question isn’t how long you will live, but how faithfully you will live. Are you seeking your own agenda, or are you surrendered to God’s purpose? Are you busy with what will fade away, or are you investing in what will last forever?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
For whatever time you have left on this earth, “serve God’s purpose in your own generation.” Leave a mark with your life that will outlive you when you are gone.
Love God. Love people. Live sent.
