What is your purpose in life? We have all asked ourselves this question at some point in our lives. There are many different theories and explanations on how to find purpose and meaning in life. How is purpose defined in the bible? and how do we know that we are walking in the purpose that God has for our lives?
The dictionary defines purpose as “the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.” The bible says in Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” We can infer from this verse and the definition of purpose that God has created all of us with a purpose and we can only fulfill our purpose in life by knowing Christ.
Our purpose in life is not defined by our vocation or our profession. If we do not use our talents and abilities for God then biblically we are not walking in the purpose that God has for us in our lives. It is easy to go through life thinking we have found our purpose in life without ever knowing Jesus or having a relationship with him. Jesus says in Mark 8:36, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Jesus is very clear about what our purpose in life should be and that is to know him and have a relationship with him and walk in his ways.
This does not mean that we cannot use our talents and abilities to glorify God. Colossians 3:17 says “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Whatever you choose to do in this world do it so that God will get the glory. Our goal is to be representatives for Christ on this Earth and to show people what it means to walk in a relationship with Christ. That is our true purpose.
Jesus says in John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If you are unsure about what your purpose in life is, then just remember this verse and know that without Jesus there is no life, there is no meaning and there is no purpose. Getting to know Jesus, worshipping him, and glorifying God is your true purpose in life and everything else you do here on Earth revolves around that.