Why are we here?

Romans 15.7 was my scripture for the day but as I read the chapter I was convicted.  Romans 15. 1-7 states:

1 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

As a teacher I get caught up at school with making sure my day fits my needs.  Wow! Is that why I am there? NO! I am there for my students.  To make sure they get the education I am required to provide for them.  This thought led me to others:  As a spouse and a parent, who am I supposed to but first? As a neighbor, am I irritated when I have to go out of my way for something that doesn’t fit my schedule? As a daughter, do I want to always be the responsible one?  As a citizen, should I get frustrated when I don’t want to do my part?

Then it got me thinking – as a Christian, why am I here?  My pastor repeated a phrase last week that I have heard several times in the last couple of months.  It finally hit me when he said it…God is not finished with us once we are saved…if so, He would take us home.  We are here to glorify HIM in ALL we do!!! Our jobs, our neighborhoods, our families, our churches and our communities.