One of the most significant challenges for every generation is having a great cause. Something worthy of personal sacrifice. As Roosevelt challenged his audience, "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena," credit goes to the one who strives for what is greater than them.

The New Testament writer Paul writes to his protege Timothy affirming his calling and cause. He tells him he was left in Ephesus to counteract false teachers. Paul urges him to "Don't let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don't help people live a life of faith in God" (1 Tim. 1:4, NLT). Timothy's arena was to give people clarity to live a life of faithfulness. In his calling, we are encouraged with God's purpose for our own lives.

Great purpose in a worthy cause will demand personal sacrifice. Paul urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus, indicating that staying was not his desire. However, the reason compelled him to remain. Clarifying God's purpose in your life enables you to endure less than ideal conditions. You can stay in the arena when you know your purpose is worth the sweat.

Timothy's aim is to give people gospel clarity helping them live faithful lives before God. He was not profiting off of them, nor gaining notoriety and influence by his work with them. His aim, which demanded much from him, was for their benefit.

God's purposes for our lives are often other-oriented. He calls us to make great personal sacrifices, face daunting challenges and put ourselves in the arena for the good of others. So they may live lives of clarity, conviction, and faithfulness. People are never the avenue to achieve your greatness. Nor are they the stepping-stones to your notoriety. Giving yourself to others, in particular, pointing people to God, is the purpose.

Great purpose calls for tremendous sacrifice, a meaningful cause and is always others-oriented. As Roosevelt challenged his audience in 1910, it is better to strive for a worthy cause and fail than to do nothing and blame all for nothing being done.