Thanks for joining us as we explore what the New Testament says about this vital topic. For those who missed last week’s study, which covered the Old Testament verses, please catch up now. While the rest of us wait, watch a music video with 216 million views that will purposefully keep you awake.
Love that song! Now that we are all together, let’s move on to the questions that initially inspired me to write this study. Every thoughtful person, whether they have faith or not, wrestles with these questions: “Why am I here?” or “What does God want me to do with my life?” Having a sense of purpose helps people see that their lives matter, even in times of uncertainty.
Discovering answers about what God wants for you is part of your life’s journey, requiring patience and trust in Him. Here is a great way to start, according to Jesus:
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
At the end of Matthew’s gospel, Jesus proclaimed His disciples’ purpose:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
That verse is powerful because it also reflects our mission and purpose. However, you don’t need to be a missionary to follow Jesus’s instructions. All you need to do is conduct yourself with Christian-like behavior, such as loving one another and helping those less fortunate. Remember what Jesus said:
“‘And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31).
So there you have it! That is your purpose in life, and this study could end now. But no New Testament study is complete without reading verses from one of humankind’s greatest writers. Of course, I am referring to St. Paul, whose writing reflects how much he loved and suffered for the Lord, fulfilling his mission to bring the Gospel of Jesus to the Gentiles. St. Paul wrote extensively about one’s purpose:
“In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).
“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
“All things work together” means good and bad circumstances will occur. Only from a distance do we understand why the “bad” stuff needed to happen.
Whether or not you know your purpose, St. Paul teaches:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10-31).
For example, just saying grace before meals glorifies the Lord. Then, if everything you do is for His glory, He will show you the path that best pleases Him, given the talents He has bestowed upon you.
Paul wrote one of the Bible’s most popular verses that resonates with those who have faith, are trying to please God, and need encouragement:
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Next is a verse upon which you can pray with confidence, and if you are seeking your purpose, know that He will deliver.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Think about the fact that God uniquely created you as a product of His workmanship. He knows why you were conceived and placed on this earth. Therefore, it is only a matter of time and patience before your purpose becomes clear.
St. Paul wrote about God’s will for you:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Turning now to Peter, if you are seeking purpose, as a Christian, you are already special in His eyes. Keep that in mind if you feel frustrated that the Lord is not answering your desire to please Him:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
To discover God’s purpose for your life, you first need to establish a relationship with the Lord Jesus. One does that through attending church, prayer, and talking to Him as you would any friend. At the same time, live the commandments previously discussed in Mark 12:30-31. Meanwhile, glorify Him in every way you can. Live faithfully!
A relationship with the Lord is a foundation upon which you will build whatever He has in store for you. What you think that is, and what it turns out to be, can be different, but will be perfect according to His will.
I pray that whoever is reading this and feels unfulfilled will be motivated to pray for fulfillment. And for those who believe they are engaged in His purpose, praise Him for He has specially blessed you and expects love and obedience in return.
Ultimately, regardless of our “purpose,” the following verse remains our guiding light forever:
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Amen to that!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book “Bible Study For Those Who Don’t Read The Bible“ reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. “Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. You can join their new effort in Orlando, Florida. Contact: Myraadams01@gmail.com
This article was originally posted at Townhall.com.
