What is Your Purpose?

I recently saw a poster that stated “The purpose of life is to find a purpose in life.” At first I just sort of brushed it off as meaningless gibberish. But then I got to thinking and realized that the statement is right on. All of us know someone who might be generously described as a drifter. They go through life taking whatever happens, going from job to job and wondering why they are not satisfied with their life status. It has been suggested that someone should not ask “What do I want to do?” but focus on the question “What do I want to be?”

Finding Purpose. As a college professor for 37 years, I encountered thousands of students. Some came into college with a definite plan for their major and subsequent career. Plans change, but the point is to stay focused on the person you want to be. Other students were just there. I recall one student who was totally unanchored. When he would come close to completing a major, he would switch. I believe that he had no purpose beyond being a student. Of course, there are other purposes for being in college. A pastor once told me as a freshman, he met a nice-looking young lady. They struck up a conversation, and he inquired, “What degree are you seeking?” Her response was “An Mrs.” He moved on.

Purpose for All Ages. Your purpose in life is not unchangeable. As you move through life your purpose can evolve. As a personal example, I entered Mars Hill University with the intent of majoring in accounting and becoming a CPA. Upon graduation, I sort of drifted from jobs to jobs and was not really career-minded. I felt the urge to pursue my MBA but still lacked focus. About eight years after finishing at Mars Hill, I had an MBA from Georgia and still lacked purpose. Through a series of divine circumstances, I began teaching accounting in the night program in the local technical school. After my first night in the classroom, I knew I had found my purpose. A college professor was what I was meant to become. Through the years, this purpose morphed as I taught discipleship training in my church, frequently volunteering for various organizations (As a CPA there were a lot of opportunities to serve as treasurer). I rekindled my love of writing and published professionally and personally. I’m now retired from teaching and tax work but not from fulfilling my purpose. I still volunteer and write.

On Purpose. Lakes Church in Lakeland, Florida has a tag line with its logo. It simply reads “On Purpose.” On its webpage, the church explains that On Purpose “means living with intentionality to fulfill God’s mission. It describes a proactive approach to faith where believers serve others, glorify God, and ‘live sent’ as missionaries instead of passively attending church.” This can apply to individuals or organizations.

Two Scripture Passages. Seeking our purpose requires intentionality on our part. We cannot sit around and wait for God to reveal His purpose to us. Two scripture passages come to mind in this regard. A surface examination of the two scriptures seem to contradict each other. In Psalm 27:14, David writes “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” At first glance, it seems that David is saying “Sit back and relax, think good thoughts and God will reveal your purpose.” I think the CEV expresses this more in tune with our way of thinking today. “Trust the Lord! Be brave and strong and trust the Lord.” We aren’t to be passively waiting, but we are to put our trust in God to direct us.

The other verse is found in Isaiah 55:6. “Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.” This verse carries both a promise and a warning. The promise is that God is accessible to us. He CAN be found. It’s not too difficult. He is near. We are to seek Him. He seeks us out. But the warning implies that time is not unlimited. There is a sense of urgency to repent and commit your ways to the Lord while we can. Verse 7 assures us of His mercy and forgiveness “Return to the Lord our God. He will be merciful and forgive your sins.” (CEV)

What Will You Do With Jesus? Your purpose is so much more than your chosen profession. The greatest question you will ever answer is not what you will do with your life, but what you will do with Jesus. That is a question that everyone must answer. The answer determines your eternal home. Failure to answer gives you the default – and it is not an eternity in Heaven. Once that answer is settled, the rest of life begins to fall into place.

Place your faith in Jesus. Faith isn’t the absence of evidence; it’s responding honestly to the evidence God has already given. Evidence through creation, scripture, Christ’s resurrection, changed lives, and the Holy Spirit. Testimony that Jesus is the Son of God. 

What will you do with Jesus?

____________________ 

 

To learn more about a new life in Christ, click here. 

All scripture is from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise indicated.