We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28)
Why are we here? What gives meaning to our life? What gets us out of bed in the morning? What helps us to sleep at night? Simply put: What is our purpose?
At a recent fundraiser breakfast, I reconnected with a guy I hadn’t seen for a few years. During our last conversation, he couldn’t have been more excited about his pending retirement. When I had asked him what he was going to do, he talked about fishing, hunting, playing golf, and swimming. When I then asked him if he had a purpose in retirement, he looked at me with a mixture of confusion and irritation.
The moment we sat down together, he said, “I want you to know that I now have a purpose. Your question about my purpose a few years ago made me uncomfortable. I found out, though, that retirement without a purpose is no life, and that I was meant for more.”
Our purpose in life is more than our wants, needs, or desires. More than what we make or accumulate. More than our activities or hobbies. I’m not against any of the above, but we’re meant for more.
Our purpose needs to be about giving ourselves to an endeavor that’s bigger than us. It’s about giving things away, or lifting up those who haven’t been as blessed as we are, or giving support to those in need. It’s about making this world a better place or making a difference in someone else’s life.
In today’s verse Paul says, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” One way we show our love for God is to align our life to His purpose for us. We will not find the life God intends for us until we commit to living into the purpose God has for us.
I encourage us to ask this question—What is my purpose? —until we hear and live into the unique answer God has for us.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you know what God’s purpose is for you? If not, are you asking? If so, are you living into it?
- If you are completely drawing a blank on what purpose God has for your life, may I suggest this one: “You are blessed to be a blessing.” So, how have you been blessed? And, how can you bless others?
- God’s purpose for our life can change—it did for me. Has it changed for you? If so, from what to what? How are you dealing with that change?