What is purpose?
The dictionary says purpose is the reason for which something exists or is done, made, or used; an aim or goal with an intended or desired end or result; determination; resoluteness; to act with intention with an anticipated outcome; the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose; to resolve to do something.
Is there a difference between living with purpose and living with a purpose? Yes. You can live with determination, as living with intent, or as the French say, raison d’être, or reason or justification for existence. And you can also live with a purpose, with a goal, aim, or direction. In order to achieve something.
You have a reason for existing!
I’m sure you live with purpose, so let me ask you: Solomon said, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:21 NIV)
God’s blueprint for our lives is the purpose of His heart for us. He always has a plan and a purpose for everything, for He “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” (Eph. 1:11b NIV)
“(Chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose” (Eph. 1:11 AMPC), we existed in God’s heart. Long before He created us, He purposed that we would have fellowship with Him for all eternity.
Our purpose for living – the reason we exist – is not only to fellowship with God but also to praise Him throughout eternity. Man’s purpose was – and still is – to praise God, as Paul says we “[have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!” (Eph. 1:12 AMPC) Because God said of His people, “This people that I formed for Myself shall declare My praise.” (Is. 43:21 Masoretic Text)
Living with a purpose…
Our purpose in life is not to live up to what others think we should be doing, or even what we think we should be doing, but to live up to what the Lord says we should be doing. If we do not live our lives according to His purpose, we are wasting our lives. As David said, “Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.” (Ps. 127:1 NLT)
A life lived on purpose and with the Lord’s purpose will have the trials, the heartaches, and the blessings of life weaved together for benefit, for “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28 NKJV)
We cannot have the right purpose in life if we do not have the Lord’s purpose as our purpose.
Solomon said, “The end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.” (Eccl. 12:13 AMPC)
Do a spiritual checkup on your purpose for living. Ask yourself…
* Do I live with intention, determined to achieve something, with resolve to accomplish it?
* Am I living on purpose and with a purpose?
*Am I living out God’s purpose or my own purpose?
“For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose.” (Rev. 17:17 NKJV)
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Amen to this, Lynn. We are not living the right purpose, if it is not God’s. So many people get this mixed up. They look first to *their* interests, *their* talents, *their* gifts, *their* passions. It’s true, that the Lord gives those to us and that they are clues to discovering our purpose, but it’s not the place to start. One needs to look to God and *His* purposes, *His* passions, and *His* plans, and to ask Him why He created us individually…and where and how He wants us to serve His people and to glorify Him. When we do that, He is eager to show us. When we live out His purpose for us, we will best use the gifts and passions He’s bestowed in the most exhilarating, God-glorifying way. And the people whom we serve will be changed. Thank you for an encouraging and enlightening post.
Love
Lynn
Oh, amen, Lynn! So true! Only when we seek the Lord’s plan for our lives can we truly be the blessing to others God intended when He created us. Thank you so much for taking time to read my post and comment. I’m humbled and honored. Bless you! ❤
Lynn you share so much wisdom here. I find myself praying about purpose and seeking to understand what God’s purpose for me is as I know many of us do from time to time as we wiggle with our purpose and God’s purpose and desiring to be in his purpose for us. A great reminder to consider these things. I have some words stuck in my head from Sunday’s worship, “I give myself away.” I want to be so in God’s purpose that my purpose disappears. To give myself away. Thank you Lynn.
Oh, yes! To give ourselves away, making room only for God’s purpose. Thank you for that. Great words, indeed, to have stuck in one’s mind. Blessings to you!
Purpose makes all the difference, doesn’t it? May God give us eyes to see past our stumbling efforts, past our ceaseless strivings, and be riveted to His plans!
Oh, amen, Michele! Purpose makes all the difference! And yes, riveted to His plans. Thank you for that. Bless you!