We each have a God-given purpose. But so many of us don’t know what it is! Consequently, our lives lack excitement and fulfillment. In order to live a full and meaningful life you need to…
1. Know that God has a unique purpose for you.
2. Find out what that specific purpose is (which may appear different at times).
3. Choose to carry it out.
4. Trust that God will equip, direct, and empower you.
Last time I discussed why it was worth knowing and pursuing God’s plan for our lives. But…
What should our God-given purpose look like?
Since Jesus is our model of how to live a godly life, He should also be our model of how we should go about fulfilling our purpose in life.
Jesus’ Mission
What was Jesus’s purpose?
- Redemption (primary purpose)
Jesus Christ had the greatest mission ever given by God. Through His death, burial, and resurrection Jesus reconciled mankind back into a right relationship with the God-head (Jn 3:16, Mat 20:28).
- Revelation
God wants to be known. Jesus’ life revealed the Father in every way.
“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known….” (Jn 17:26)
- Representation
Jesus’ life exemplified how God would act as a human (Heb 1:3, Jn 14:9). Jesus, the God-man, gave us a godly model.
- Reverence
In all His thoughts and actions, Jesus always pleased and glorified His Father (Jn 5:30, 8:29).
Our Mission
Our purpose should parallel Jesus’s purpose in each of these same areas.
- Redemption
Jesus did the work. Now our job is to spread the good news of the gospel (Mat 28:19).
- Revelation
We are to make God known; testify to His goodness, faithfulness, and how He is specifically working in our lives.
- Representation
We are all called to live like Jesus; to live a holy life (1 Pet 1:15, Eph 4:1). People are watching how we live. Our actions should be making the gospel attractive.
- Reverence
Just like Jesus we are to glorify God in everything we do.
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…. (Col 3: 17)
…Find out what pleases the Lord. (Eph 5:10)
Our over-arching purpose should include all 4 of these aspects, but…
HOW we each specifically accomplish that purpose will vary greatly!
Some are called to be more evangelistic—publicly or quietly in their sphere of influence. It could be preaching at church, door to door, as a foreign missionary, at a local coffee shop, or simply at home raising kids.
Others are called primarily to equip people how to live like Christians through preaching, teaching, discipling, or writing.
Some are predominantly called to charitable work.
Still others will play a more supportive role in encouragement or doing whatever is needed—like taking care of an elderly parent, cleaning a church building, or sending cards.
Whether large or small, publicly or behind the scenes, formal or informal, full-time or part-time, the ways God wants to use us are countless! I’ve left so many out.
WHO God wants you to reach will also differ.
He may give you a deep burden for a particular nationality, age group, or people with specific problems (unwed mothers, troubled teens, etc.).
My friend, God does have a beautiful special purpose just for you. I encourage you to evaluate your life in light of God’s plan for you. Do you know why you are here? Does the way you are living model Jesus’ purpose of saving souls, making God known, living as a good representative, and bringing God glory?
You do play a vital role in God’s overall plan!
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. (Eph 4:1 NLT)
Except where indicated all Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible: New International Version®. NIV. ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
(NLT) Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.