“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”-Ephesians 1:11
Introduction
Everyone wants to live a purposeful and meaningful life, a life of significance, one that brings love, joy and fulfilment not only to us but also to the people around us. We all want to know that our lives count for something and that our presence, our work, our relationships and our gifts are making a difference.
Yet, for many people, discovering and living out their purpose can be one of the most difficult things to accomplish. Why? The answer is simple. We often look in the wrong places.
Many people look to themselves, their possessions, careers, relationships or the world to discover their purpose in life. But a life devoted only to the things of this world can never give us lasting meaning.
The purpose of our lives is far greater than personal fulfilment or anything we can achieve on this earth. Ephesians 1:11 reminds us that our lives are connected to God’s purpose and His will.
If we want to understand why we are here, we must begin with God. We were made by God and for God. Until we understand this, life will never fully make sense.
l You Were Created by God and for God
If someone gives us an invention that we have never seen before, would we know what it was created to do? Certainly not. The best person to tell us the purpose of an invention is its creator. We can also look at the manual that came with it.
In the same way, the best source for discovering the purpose of our lives is God, our Creator, and His Word, the Bible.
We were made by God and for God. Until we understand this, life may never fully make sense. Our purpose is not simply about what we want to achieve or how successful we can become. It is about discovering God’s intention for our lives and allowing Him to use us for His glory.
The Bible is therefore our manual for life. As we study God’s Word and walk with God, He helps us understand who we are, what He has placed in us and how we can use our lives meaningfully.
l You Are Not an Accident
How many times have you questioned your reason for being alive when you find yourself in a desperate situation? Many of us have had such moments.
When we face disappointment, rejection, failure, financial difficulty or other painful experiences, we may begin to wonder whether our lives have any meaning.
But you are not an accident.
Your birth was not a mistake, and your existence is not a fluke of nature. God knows you and has a purpose for your life. Even when circumstances do not make sense, God remains at work.
Romans 12:2 teaches us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can discern God’s will.
This means that discovering purpose requires us to allow God to change the way we think. We must stop allowing circumstances, society or the opinions of others to define our worth and direction.
l What Is God’s Purpose for Our Lives?
Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? looks at our purpose on earth under five headings, which we can briefly consider.
1. We Were Planned for God’s Pleasure
Our first purpose is worship.
We were created to know God, love Him and honour Him with our lives. Worship is not limited to singing in church. It is also seen in the way we live, the choices we make and the way we honour God in our everyday lives.
2. We Were Formed for God’s Family
We were created for fellowship.
No person should feel that they have to walk through life alone. God places people around us to encourage us, strengthen us, correct us and help us grow.
We need one another.
3. We Were Created to Become Like Christ
Our purpose includes discipleship.
God desires that our character becomes more like that of Christ. Success is not only about what we accomplish. It is also about who we become while accomplishing it.
4. We Were Shaped for Serving God
We were created for ministry.
God has given each person gifts, abilities and opportunities that can be used to serve others. Our purpose may be expressed through our homes, workplaces, churches, communities, professions or other areas of influence.
Whatever our position, we can use what God has given us to bless others.
5. We Were Made for a Mission
We were also created for mission.
Our lives should point others towards God. Purpose therefore goes beyond ourselves. We are blessed so that we can become a blessing to others.
l Looking Ahead to Part 2
Knowing that we have a purpose is one thing. Living purposefully is another.
In Part 2, we will look at practical ways to live a purposeful life, including knowing God’s purpose, considering our dreams, clarifying our values, setting goals, discovering our strengths, aiming high, taking action, being disciplined, believing in ourselves, involving others and never giving up.
To be continued!
Stay Blessed!
Please Note: The preaching programme on Sunny 88.7 FM every Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us on Asempa 94.7 FM every Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and YFM 107.9 every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. for our Radio Bible Study, as well as on Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. for Hymns and Their Stories.
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