Do I Know My Purpose?

We were created on purpose for a purpose. Is this something we need to develop, search for or is it simpler than that? The definition of Purpose is ‘the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists’.  Is your purpose found in being or doing? Or both?

Jesus answered this question in His own purpose. ‘For this purpose was the Son of God manifest (being), to destroy (doing) the works of the evil one’. 1 John 3:8b.  It was both.

The Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) so our purpose is created not by our desires but rather by our Designer – God Himself! It isn’t about our accomplishments, but rather the fulfillment of living in and on purpose for His glory. In Romans 12: 3 the motivational gifts are listed. Verse 6 says these gifts vary according to the grace given to us so we know they are all user friendly yet uniquely different!

Charles Babbage is credited for inventing the first computer in the mid 1800’s.  It took years before its size, capacity and speed became what we know it to be today. Yet it is said that the basic elements he developed are the same as what is found in a modern day computer. We could say the main purpose of the computer hasn’t changed yet it’s functionality and capacity has varied. 

Your God given purpose is directly connected to a higher purpose, one He has specifically designed you for when you were being formed in your mother’s womb. This hasn’t changed. You can be confident that EVERYTHING has a season and a time under heaven (Eccl 3). More than asking God what is my purpose, we should be praying ‘how can I function in my giftings and increase the capacity to do Your will’?

As the Holy Spirit continues to guide us in our Christian faith, we begin to recognize how these gifts function for God’s glory.  Sometimes I find it easier to know what my purpose is when I look at what it isn’t.

Purpose IS NOT:

1. Centered around me, my feelings, my offences, my objections, my pleasure, my happiness
2. Found in a position or achievement

Purpose IS:

1. A lifelong learning process
2. Contentment in who I am, where I am, and seizing the opportunities afforded me
3. Service to the One who created us for His glory.

What if your sole purpose is to be used to help someone else’s day succeed and meet their need? What if we began everyday by saying, ‘here I am Lord, send me’ and closed every day by saying ‘to the best of my ability, I did what you asked me to do for your Name’s sake’. 

Now that’s a finish line to run towards!