So What Do You Think Is Your God-Given Purpose?

Mark Twain supposedly said: “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.”

Do you see the logic? Have you had that second most important day yet?

My two divorces, which I refer to as Hiroshima and Nagasaki resulted or culminated into the day I was born (spiritually) and the second led to the day I figured out why. And just as in the case of Japan after those cataclysmic events, they resulted in my unconditional surrender.

Do you believe in God? If you do, doesn’t it make sense that he would design his creation and his creatures with a purpose in mind? And I’m not talking about mosquitos, ticks and chiggers — that’s a rabbit hole I prefer not to enter. I’m talking about people like you and me and our families.

So what do you think is your God-given purpose? Do you seek a purpose-driven life?

One of my favorite and one of the most useful books I have ever read is: The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for? by Rick Warren.

Here are some thought-provoking quotes from Rick Warren worth sharing:

“The search for the purpose of life has puzzled people for thousands of years. That’s because we typically begin at the wrong starting point—ourselves. We ask self-centered questions like What do I want to be? What should I do with my life? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams for my future? But focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life’s purpose.”

“You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.”

“Measured against eternity, our time on earth is just a blink of an eye, but the consequences of it will last forever.”

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived well.”

“Experience is not what happens to you. It is what you do with what happens to you. Don’t waste your pain; use it to help others.”

“Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test… You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies.”

“Instant obedience will teach you more about God than a lifetime of Bible discussion.”

“God is always more interested in why we do something than in what we do. Attitudes count more than achievements.”

“The more God gives you, the more responsible he expects you to be.”

“It is a fatal mistake to assume that God’s goal for your life is material prosperity or popular success, as the world defines it. The abundant life has nothing to do with material abundance, and faithfulness to God does not guarantee success in a career or even ministry. Never focus on temporary crowns.”

“The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears.”

“As long as you do things for God, you are a Hall of Famer in heavens list.”

Years ago, I spent a lot of time and thought in the process of trying to determine my God-given purpose and mission. I literally went from writing over ten pages of what I thought my purpose was, to finally putting it into a few precious words. I believe the process of seeking purpose honored God. And it was profound for me; it has provided an aim, a goal, a direction, a measuring stick. I am so glad I earnestly sought to know God’s purpose for me. It has brought significance to my life; and someday, I hope to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Simply stated, I believe my purpose is to know God intimately; and to make him known to others.

I’m not writing to sell you on my purpose; I’m encouraging you to seek a purpose driven life and that starts with you earnestly seeking to know your purpose and identity in life through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Keep in mind, the way you fulfill your purpose—the time, place, plan, and style—is absolutely unique to you.

What are your thoughts on all this? Do you seek a life of God-given purpose? If not, how’s that working for you? I invite you to share your thoughts on the FATC FORUM or to talk more directly. Feel free to give me a call.