Sometimes, we find inspiration in unusual places. I attended a work friend’s funeral last month. She retired from work a few years ago, but her death was still unexpected. Terry’s funeral bulletin contained the following two quotes on the back page. The first one comprised Terry’s thoughts on the purpose of life.
“I think one should make the most of what he/she is given in life. It may not be what you planned; but there is a reason for it and only God knows what that is.”
Terry’s Philosophy
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
Ralph Waldo Emmerson
What is My Purpose in Life?
So, with these quotes in mind, I find the next logical question comes down to “what is my purpose in life?” Sometimes, we can feel lost in a fog of indecision when looking for our purpose. These quotes tell us to make the most of our lives, become compassionate, and make a difference. Great advice, but what about our purpose in Christ? How do we discover our Godly purpose in life?
We can turn to scriptures to start our journey to find a purpose. Let’s start with Colossians 3:12-17;
Colossians 3:12-17
“12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Steps to Finding Purpose
First of all, the above verses tell us the way we should live our lives for Christ. So the first step in finding purpose is to ensure we are living a Godly life. Next, we need to spend time talking with God about His plans for our lives. Ask God to show you His plans. Daily prayers and scripture readings keep us connect to the source of purpose. Finally, look for signs in life. What do you love to do or always dreamed of doing? God puts those Godly longing in our hearts to guide us towards His purpose.
Write Out a Purpose Statement
Your biblical purpose isn’t a lengthy “to do” list of duties. It is an expression of why God created each of us. Focus on how God wants us to live instead of a list of tasks. From a Godly life flows a river that can nourish a dry and thirsty lands. As I researched ideas for this post, I found some suggested writing out a Biblical purpose revealed to you as you read scriptures. Here are a few examples I found:
“The purpose of my life is to know God and hear his voice so I can live a life of servanthood and obedience; then I will the peace and light of Christ into every situation.”
“I exist to live an authentic and intimate life with Jesus and to let him shape my life in such a way that believers are encouraged and non-believers are motivated to join me in the journey of faith in Christ.”
Your Turn
Your turn. Read, pray and study the word of God. Write up a few sentences that you think will encourage you to walk in your Godly purpose of life. Reread them, and ask God to refine them as needed. And, through time, God may change them, so remain open to His ways. I pray God will help you on this path towards His meaning for your life.
Prayer
My Lord and Savior, please guide me towards a life that is pleasing to you. Cleanse my heart as You direct my steps. Let me know and feel Your presence in my daily walk. I want to be the person. You made me to be in this life. In Jesus’s Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian author, blogger, and speaker.
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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Great practical tips on finding your purpose. Love how you and I were on the same “page” this week!
Thanks Ava. 🙏🥰. God will get His message out. Grace and peace to you
We are children of God, lovers of Jesus called upon to bring the Gospel and/or the love of the Lord into every interaction with others. We wisely begin with Colossians 3:12-17. This is how we are to live as God’s children, as followers of Christ. Unless we’re living in obedience to the Lord and growing in our faith and maturity, we cannot achieve our mission.
Thanks Melinda. We are children of God and must live as such. Thanks for commenting. Grace and peace to you
I love the suggestion of writing out a purpose statement. Companies have mission statements; it’s not a stretch to have one for ourselves, too!
That is what I thought too. Always worth trying something new. Thanks Jessica. Grace and peace to you
I love that you started with a discussion on living a godly life. That is so key. For me, I know God wants me to teach. I haven’t necessarily been doing the best at that because one of the ways God wants me to teach is in writing and I haven’t been keeping up with that very well with my new routine during this pandemic. It is my desire and prayer that I will carve out more writing time. Gladly, I’m still leading weekly Bible studies at work, so praise God for that.
I miss your writing too. It can be difficult to keep up a regular routine during these times. Sometimes we all need a break. Thanks for commenting. Grace and peace to you
I especially love the Emerson quote. And if we’d follow it, it’s likely we’d find happiness in the bargain.
Amen Nancy. Thanks for commenting. Grace and peace to you
I believe our purpose can change from moment to moment. God can work His plan through any circumstance. 🙂
Very true Melissa. He works His plans through each of us. Thanks for commenting. Grace and peace to you
Yvonne, so sorry about your work friend passing away. Yet, she left behind a great legacy of rightful thinking and a good perspective.
Love how you note this: “Your biblical purpose isn’t a lengthy “to do” list of duties. It is an expression of why God created each of us. Focus on how God wants us to live instead of a list of tasks.” Amen! I pray to lay down my own agenda and pick up God’s will.
Great prayer to lend down our own agenda and pick up God’s. May we all remember it too. Thanks for commenting. Grace and peace to you
Great post. I especially like the Emerson quote.
Thanks Nancy. I appreciate your encouragement. Grace and peace to you