We all ask these profound questions at some point in life. And a comprehensive view of purpose considers it from three perspectives.
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers your eternal purpose
Scripture teaches we were created to praise, worship, and live in community with God for eternity. But the entrance of sin ruined this relationship. However, Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for sin and restores the relationship with his gift of salvation.
A secular mindset rejects the authority of a creator and celebrates individual autonomy. But complete individual autonomy is an illusion. Because no one survives without God’s sustaining presence in the world and the cooperation of other people.
Here are a few scripture passages about your eternal purpose.
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers your greater purpose
We all want to make our life count. To advance a mission…find a special calling…work for a higher cause. Scripture encourages us to use our gifts, talents, and abilities for God’s glory. And serve His kingdom.
But this perspective is also where we often get hung up. As if a greater purpose and God’s will for our life is a mystery we have to solve. So we take personal inventories, career aptitude, and spiritual gift tests to determine where we fit in the world and in God’s plan. And sometimes obsess in analysis paralysis.
Two principles that have guided me in finding God’s purpose for my life
1. One of my seminary professors, Grady Lowery, always said, “find what you do best for the Kingdom of God and do it.”
Sounds almost too simple, right? And yet it has helped me navigate different career choices in church ministry and the secular marketplace. But always with a sense that God was leading and in control.
So what passion has God has placed in your heart? What gifts and abilities has he given you? How can you best use them for His Kingdom? The answer to these questions will often provide a pathway.
2. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God invites us to “join God where he is working.” This advice led me into many ministries over the years. Rather than searching for my exact fit, like a solitary piece in God’s grand puzzle, I simply walked through open doors of opportunity where God was clearly working. And I never felt like any of them were outside of God’s will.
Here are a few scripture passages to also consider.
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers your practical purpose
God’s Word is not a collection of rules and regulations to control you. But guidance for a life that honors, glorifies, and pleases Him. As you follow its precepts, you’ll pursue God’s intended purpose for this life.
Because rather than confine you, it helps you navigate the relationships and circumstances in life. Nor does it suppress your individuality and unique abilities. But encourages you to fully express them for God’s glory.
Need a purpose statement? A scripture verse I use is Micah 6:8.
“He has told you O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you. To live justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
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Find God’s Purpose and you’ll experience a life full of peace, contentment and joy. But how? Here are some thoughts to guide you.
You’ll Find God’s Purpose Revealed Through Scripture
People often approach the search for God’s purpose like it’s mystical. Revealed through dreams, visions and signs. Yes. The Bible is full of stories where God used these methods to reveal His purpose. And He still uses them today. But they are the exception and not the rule.
Because more commonly, God’s purpose is practical and ordinary.
And interwoven throughout scripture. In its commands and teachings on how to treat others, demonstrate Godly character and follow Jesus Christ.
One act, following another in a life that honors God according to His purpose.
It’s less about discovering God’s grand scheme for your life and more about faithful discipleship. Like what does it actually look like in practical terms to love your neighbor? And as you respond to what God reveals in scripture, you will become more sensitive to the mysterious urgings of His Spirit.
You’ll Find God’s Purpose By Joining Where He Is Already At Work
The late Henry Blackaby said this in his Experiencing God discipleship curriculum. Although he specifically referenced the will of God, I think its simple, yet profound advice applies here too. God is still active in the world. And visible to those who want to serve Him.
So pay attention to where He is obviously working. In Gospel driven organizations like The Christian Appalachian Project,Samaritan’s Purse and Mercy Ships. In local ministries in your community. Even within your church. And join the effort in some capacity.
I had a seminary professor who offered this advice. Find what you do best that can influence the most people for the Kingdom of God…and do it. Brilliant! And so simple. Is there a skill, talent or ability you can use for God’s glory? It doesn’t matter if someone else is better at it than you. The point is…it’s what YOU do best.
Find it and do it. And you’ll experience an even greater blessing by doing something you enjoy.
You’ll Find God’s Purpose Through An Eternal Perspective
Most of God’s ways are beyond our comprehension. Because God is eternal. And so is His purpose for you and this universe.
Therefore, a search for purpose must be viewed from an eternal perspective. By faith. Keeping in mind that God’s ultimate purpose includes all humanity and the entire cosmos.
So if your perspective considers only yourself and life on earth, you should think much bigger. Or the purpose you find will be limited at best. And at worst, completely miss the many blessings and opportunities God has planned for you.
Does God have a special purpose for you? Perhaps. On the other hand, He may simply expect you to respond faithfully to what is revealed in His word.
In humble satisfaction that it is more than enough.
There is a Biblical answer to deep yearnings of the heart. Questions like: Who Am I? Does my life have value? Meaning? And how do I live a purposeful life? And maintain a sense of balance?
Science can’t answer these questions. Searching within yourself doesn’t either. Because you inherently know there is something wrong in the human experience. An essential flaw in every human. And if we are flawed, answers from within are flawed too.
The Bible however, claims to be the word of an absolute God. The creator and sustainer of life. And if this is true then it provides a source of reliable answers. Here are three Biblical answers to deep yearnings in the human heart.
The Biblical Answer to Deep Yearnings Of The Heart About Human Identity Is Divinely Determined
Who am I? What’s my purpose. Where do I find my value?
The Bible clears the confusion with a simple proclamation. Your identity is not FOUND. It is GIVEN. Your value is ascribed, not achieved. Assigned by God. Who created you, loves you and has your best interest in mind.
The Bible teaches that every person is uniquely made by a God that loves you unconditionally.
So you don’t need to search within, accomplish or accumulate anything. These are all things YOU DO. The Bible says simply, it is already DONE. And you don’t need to be anything other than yourself. God says that alone is enough.
By accepting and embracing your individual worth as determined by a God who loves and values you takes the pressure off.
You can be yourself. Exactly as you are. Because you can’t do anything to make God love you more or or anything that makes him love you less. You need only respond to and return His love.
As you live in relationship with an absolute, yet personal God, you understand the truth, and experience freedom.
The Biblical Answer To Deep Yearnings Of The Heart For Purpose is Found In The Kingdom Of God
The Kingdom of God is partly in this world and partly in the next. It begins in this world through a personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ. This is what uniquely distinguishes Christ followers. Who are citizens of the spiritual Kingdom of God. Although the Bible teaches a final, physical Kingdom is still ahead.
That’s why followers of Jesus are told to be “in” this world, but not “of” this world. In others words, our purpose is to live as kingdom residents in this world. To serve and make this world a better place. To feed the poor, tend the sick and love our neighbors as ourselves. But to keep in mind it’s not the end game. To realize our purpose is to represent God’s Kingdom on earth, to the best of our ability, but with the knowledge that ultimately, God will establish a permanent Kingdom.
People that don’t claim Jesus can participate in serving and bettering humanity too. And therefore, share in this sense of purpose. Christ-followers do so specifically in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God.
The Biblical Answer For Achieving Balance Is By Establishing Priorities Rather Than Managing Your Time
Aren’t they one and the same? No. Not really. Most discussions on balance involve time management. Ordering your time will not always order your priorities. But ordering your priorities will always manage your time. If you prioritize spending time with family, you will automatically manage your time to create that margin in your life. And while time management is important in achieving balance, it should not be the main driver.
Want a great template for maintaining a balanced life? Consider this.
Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man (Luke 2:52)
In other words, Jesus developed intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially. He studied the law thoroughly, enjoyed relating to people in social settings, spent time alone in prayer and worked as a carpenter. Oh, and he also walked everywhere he went.
People that live out of balance usually need to address one or two of these areas. I know people that are superbly physical fit, but completely lack a spiritual life. And people that are very spiritual but their physical body is a wreck. And others that invest nothing in their minds outside of work.
I doubt anyone is completely balanced in all four areas. I’m not. But evaluating and adjusting the attention you give to these four areas will head you in the right direction.
There’s one more component not found in that verse, but very much demonstrated in the life of Christ.
What Are You Doing For Others?
Jesus focused on others rather than himself. A life and death of sacrifice. When you live a self-centered life that pursues only self-satisfaction. Your deepest yearnings will never be satisfied. Purpose and meaning will elude you. And so will the Kingdom of God. It’s the key to purpose, meaning, value. And something you can’t buy with all the money in the world. Joy.
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