The Purpose Behind Your Purpose

Why are you here? As a child of God, it is a normal question to ponder.

While it would be great if you received a detailed map at birth, charting your life’s path and purpose, that is not God’s design. After all, this is a walk of faith. And, at some point, you must trust that the very One who hung the stars in the heavens, and feeds the sparrows, also walks with you. There is one purpose for your life that you can know, however, and it doesn’t take a spiritual analysis test or a “word” from a spiritual leader.

When I first returned to the Lord after living a carnal life for many years, I wanted to know “my purpose” in Christ. I knew my role within my immediate circle, but was there something God wanted me to do beyond being a godly wife, mother, relative, and friend?

During this time, I encountered numerous people who seemed to know exactly what they were supposed to be doing. One man ministered to the homeless by giving them a ride to church. A woman went door-to-door, evangelizing in the inner-city projects. Another woman led pre-teen and teenage girls into becoming godly women, and so the encounters continued.

It was as if God had revealed something to others that He hid from me. My frustration grew. I took online tests, prayed for answers, and traversed through Bible verses in the hope of finding my specific purpose. I was already involved in several church-related functions, but was I where God wanted me? Frankly, I wasn’t sure.

Then one night, God spoke these words to my heart: Your purpose is to love.

I knew the words were from God because they soothed my searching soul. They did not include a detailed algorithm of what I would do for the next five, ten, and fifteen years. They did not even offer a hint of what I would do the next day. And yet, those words were everything I needed to know.

Love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind. (Luke 10:27) Love your neighbor as yourself. (Mark 12:31) Abide in My love. (John 15:9) Love your enemies. (Matthew 5:44) Love one another. (John 13:34)

Could it be that in the search for purpose, we have ignored the commandment that would birth the very answer to that question? And, could it be that in our search for purpose, we have abandoned the crucial element of our faith that propels the gospel forward and touches the heart of almost every human being—saved and unsaved?

Your purpose is to love.

When Jesus knew that his crucifixion was mere hours away, he could have spoken to His disciples on many topics but one that He chose was love. He washed their feet, shared in the last supper, and sent Judas away to “do quickly” that which he intended to do.

Then, Jesus said to the small group, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

When you choose to love, by the grace of God, then the Holy Spirit will guide you into the place He wants you to minister. You will never have to ask, “God, what is my purpose?” It will naturally unfold as you follow this commandment from the One whose great love took Him from heaven, to the cross, and then back to the Father.

Your purpose is to LOVE.

Father God, please give us the desire and the grace to be the disciple who is known by our love for you and others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.