THE LAW OF PURPOSE
One of the definitions of purpose, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is the reason for which something exists. Man is God’s creation and the central or main reason for which man was created, according to the Bible is found in Revelation 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” We are created to give God worship. We are therefore expected to praise, worship and adore the Almighty God continually all the days of our lives. We are created to glorify God Isaiah 43:6-7.
Another definition of purpose is a person’s sense of resolve and determination. In other words a person’s, drive, ambition, enthusiasm, etc. An individual without purpose will live aimlessly, not achieving anything meaningful in life. That’s why psychologists define purpose as an abiding intention to achieve a long-term goal that is both personally meaningful and makes a positive mark on the world.
The purpose of a thing precedes its existence. Before God made man, he already made what he’s supposed to do. God made man so that he can be useful in tending to the garden he will be placed in. When the use of man is not properly identified, his existence becomes that of an abnormal use. Purpose is that which you are called or created to do; it is the reason why you are here; purpose is what you are supposed to be used for. It is in being used for your purpose that you become useful for yourself first and then to the world.
Your purpose is first to your maker, then to his creations. The first man created, Adam, was made to fellowship with God and tend the garden that was made. So also every man must find his purpose in the service of God, and then humanity. Every man’s purpose is wrapped in service. There is always an aspect of humanity that you’re equipped to serve. This aspect is unique to individuals, be it medicine, aviation, engineering, sports, entertainment, hospitality, ministry and so on. When you bring in the mentality of using your gift to serve in any of this field, your life unfolds as a cynosure.
God does everything with intention. He has created us all with a purpose and no life is insignificant. We are not meant to float through life without cause. We do ourselves and God a great disservice when we live a purposeless life. Difficult though as it may seem, we can discover God’s purpose for our lives. If you feel purposeless, ask God to give you wisdom and direction. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5). That’s incredible good news. God wants to give you a purpose. The next thing to do is to start digging into scripture. You may not find any verse that tells you specifically what to do, but you will begin to understand the heart of God. (Psalm 119:105).
What are those things you are good at? God’s purpose for you probably involves those things. You also need to discover the one thing you are passionate about; and this can be anything: business, arts, economics, alleviating poverty, etc. It is often said that God works at the intersection of our gifts and passion. Where do your gifts meet your passion?
Bring others into your life (Proverbs 11:14). Seek counsel from people you trust; those who have your back and want the best for you. Then, take time to be alone. Allow yourself to be simply be still, to ponder, to ask God for direction and listen to His voice. In the end you need to trust God to lead you where He wants you to go. (Psalm 23:2-3).
REFLECTION: Why am I here?
