A Life of Purpose

It has been 2 years since i last penned my thoughts. Despite many an occasion that i was prompted to write, i chose to let it pass and probably lost out on writing a lot as a result. I intend to change that laziness and write when prompted. With that purpose in mind, what better way to start than to write about purpose in life!

Every one of us needs a purpose in life, whether by belief we are atheists or theists. The search for purpose and relevance is therefore quintessential of the human experience. After all, to know the relevance of our lives is to know why it matters or how it is important. Robin Sharma said about the same, "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." It is to understand why we are alive, where we fit in; it explains the reason for our existence. This search for relevance drives our lives, whether or not we accept it. It is the reason for everything we have done, do or ever want to do. We spend our lives in this search; yet have no clue why we need to find the relevance of our lives in the first place. How are we to understand this need for relevance in our lives?

17th century philosopher and mathematician Blaise Pascal wrote in his book Pensées, "What else does this craving and this helplessness proclaim but that there was once in man a true happiness, of which all that now remains is the empty print and trace? This he tries in vain to fill with everything around him, seeking in things that are not there the help he cannot find in those that are, though none can help, since this infinite abyss can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself." Our need for purpose stems from the fall recorded in Genesis 3. Further, Ephesians 2:10 tells us, "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (NLT). What are these good things that are planned for us?

There are universal good works prepared for us – such as obedience to Christ, witnessing, serving His Church and enjoying God, even in each other's presence – but there are also individual works. The Bible is replete with examples of God's personal touch on people's lives. The prophets were individually called by God for a specific time and purpose. Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Ruth, Esther, Mary and multiple others were used of God in their times, with their abilities and for His purposes. 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 talks about the Church in terms of a body. Each member of the Church has a different purpose, just as each portion of the body is used for different things. Speaking of individual works, Psalms 32:8 reads, "The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." (NLT) What is that pathway? That is where most of us stumble. Yet the answer is in plain sight.

We should start by praying that the Lord leads us on this path by submitting to His will, whatever it may be for our lives. We should do this so that all glory be brought to Him alone and we do not let our will alone mislead us. Yet the key to finding our pathway lies in understanding that each of us has been created uniquely. Therefore some of us will find guidance from our elders or advice from well-wishers, some via discovering ourselves, our strengths and abilities doing tests, some by finding guidance from the Lord / God's Word, some others by being driven by a particular interest / passion while still others by trying multiple things before discovering one / a few that truly interest them. But the most important thing to remember is to wait for God’s timing. Typically, we want our marching orders NOW! But sometimes God is grooming us for better things – not yet in place. So He tells us to wait patiently while serving Him faithfully, by doing the best we can where we are currently.

However, regardless of where we are in our journey of life or what seems to be happening, thankfully we believers can find rest in the fact that our lives do have purpose. God created us with intent, "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)