Every Christian’s Purpose (no need to keep looking)
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”
― Robert Bryne
Have you ever questioned your worth? Your purpose? Why you were born into this world in the first place?
I have. And more than once.
What do you have in mind for me, Lord? Why bring me this far only to allow everything to fall apart? What can I possibly do that will make a difference? What do I have to contribute?
Sound at all familiar?
Search for Purpose
The search for purpose may be as old as human existence itself.
For unbelievers, it would seem to be a fruitless search. But for Christians, the answer has already been offered.
Part of why Jesus came to earth was to demonstrate for us the role of God’s children:
“Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness” (Matthew 9:35, emphasis mine).
Healing often comes to mind when we think of Jesus’ ministry. But what did He do first in the above passage? He taught and preached the good news of the kingdom—proclaiming the Gospel!
The Lord’s healing ministry was secondary to His calling to share words of eternal life.
He sent the Twelve out with the same purpose:
“go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, announce this: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near’” (Matthew 10:6-7).
Verse 8 continues with the Jesus’ instructions to “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons,” but first and foremost came the proclamation of salvation!
As Christ’s disciples, this remains our primary purpose as well. We are to do the same thing as Jesus did: Like the first Twelve, we are sent out to proclaim the saving grace of the Gospel!
Everything else is secondary.
As Jesus' disciples, our primary purpose is to proclaim the saving grace of the Gospel! Everything else is secondary. Click To Tweet
Certainly, serving others, being good citizens, and caring for the environment are important tasks. But we need to always keep our focus on the main reason for our existence: to share about the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Sharing the Good News is as simple as sharing the forgiveness of your sins. Telling what the Lord has done in your life.
In doing so, you’ll be pointing to Jesus and the cross and the empty tomb—the reason for your hope.
No Need To Keep Searching
If our purpose is so cut and dry, so straightforward, why do we keep searching for it?
Because we tend to confuse our vocation with our purpose. Your vocation or niche is the area in which you’re gifted. The place or practice in which God planned for you to reach others.
It’s a launching pad for sharing about Him. It can be a means to carrying out our primary purpose.
It’s important to pray about and look for your particular niche: that area God has gifted you. But don’t confuse it with the actual reason for your existence.
We can’t all be a surgeon or ordained minister or teacher or janitor. We can’t all be a professional athlete or a best selling author. Not everyone has those skills and gifts.
But no matter what abilities we lack, we can all be a preacher of the Gospel, sometimes in words, but always in actions.
No matter what abilities we lack, we can all be preachers of the Gospel, sometimes in words, but always in actions. Click To Tweet
Your why? Yeah, you already know it.
You and I are here for such a time as this to point others to Jesus Christ, the only way to everlasting life.
What greater purpose could there possibly be!
There is no greater purpose than to point others to Jesus Christ, the only way to everlasting life! Click To Tweet
“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” (Matthew 28:19 ESV).
Reflections: Not sure what your calling is? Struggling to find your worth or your place in life? You are here for a reason! And, my fellow Believers, here’s what it is.
Blessed to link with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday! Click here to read all the wonderful posts.
By His grace ≈ Julie
Find hope in your real-life struggles. We'll chase it together! I am a wife; mom of 4 (including a young adult daughter with special needs); miscarriage mom of 5; author & follower of Jesus Christ. I write, edit, speak and enjoy everything outdoors.
I love this post! It reminds me of when my boys were young and I taught them the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The first thing we learned was what is the purpose of man? To know him and make Him known! Beautiful
Thank you, Misty! You began teaching the catechism with what’s most important: the Lord Himself! What blessed boys to have a mother like you. Grateful for your encouragement.
Thank you for the reminder of that distinction between purpose and vocation. “You and I are here for such a time as this to point others to Jesus Christ, the only way to everlasting life.” Yes!
You’re welcome, Amy! I too often get caught up in trying to figure out what I should do next, especially now that my children are all nearly grown. I forget I already know the most important thing: to give God glory and proclaim Him to the world.
I love how you highlight the difference between vocation and purpose here. So reassuring (and challenging) to remember we all have the same purpose of exalting and sharing Christ.
“reassuring (and challenging)” – exactly, Betsy!