Many of us have likely wrestled with the nagging question of purpose at least once in the past year. It’s a common struggle to find meaning in our lives, and as a result, we often turn to our jobs, families, or hobbies in search of it. Without a sense of purpose, feelings of loneliness, depression, and hopelessness can emerge. This widespread struggle is not uncommon. A 2014 study published in Psychology Today revealed that 91% of people experience “purpose anxiety.”
According to Lifeway research, “among Christians, the more often they attend church, the more likely they are to say they have found a higher purpose and meaning for their life.” Yet all too often our purpose as followers of Jesus Christ can easily be confused or entangled with worldly things. We mix a little of the world and a little of our spirituality, and we believe we discovered our purpose. But what does God say about our purpose? After all, He created us.
As a young Christian just beginning my journey of faith, I was so excited to learn about Jesus. I was even more excited to tell others about Him and how He saved me. I spent hours night after night combing through scripture, so eager to draw closer to Him. I looked forward to attending Sunday service and a weekly Bible study. I couldn’t get enough of Jesus. I felt like I found my purpose.
Then life intervened, and the passion I once had for Jesus began to fizzle out. Although I still loved Him and desired to serve Him, He was no longer my first priority. I got married, was raising a family, and working full time. I was trying to juggle all these responsibilities. Unfortunately, the most important priority, knowing God, loving Him, and sharing the gospel with others, took a backseat to everything else in my life.
As days lead into months and months into years, I found myself grieving the person I used to be—someone whose heart was on fire for Christ. Instead, I let the world define me and distractions overtake me. Can you relate? Perhaps you’re living this way now with no time for reading His word or spending time in prayer. When Sunday rolls around, spending extra time in bed becomes an obvious choice. Being with a community of believers seems less important, and sleep always seems to win out.
This isn’t what God wanted for me, nor does He want you to make the same mistake. When I felt the gentle tug of the Spirit; I knew it was time to stop hiding behind my ‘busyness’ and return to His presence. Here’s what I’ve learned about purpose within the Kingdom.
God created each of us with a universal calling or purpose. Our purpose is to love God, to know God, and to share the gospel message with others. It doesn’t matter our age, social status or cultural background. While our past accomplishments for God are valuable, they do not define our purpose in the present. When other things interfere with our universal calling, we deviate from God’s will. Living out our universal calling will prevent “purpose anxiety,” as this calling will keep us occupied for our entire lives. It is intentional living; it is countercultural living. It is living differently from society; set apart and holy.
God also entrusts us with specific callings that complement, rather than compete with, our universal mission. These assignments are often seasonal—defined by clear beginnings and endings—such as the years spent raising children, a season of marriage, or a focused period of ministry. Even when these seasons of life conclude—when our children grow up, our spouse passes away, or our ministry comes to an end—God is not finished with us. God’s desire is for us to stay focused on our universal calling. As we listen to His voice, our mission is to maintain a ready “yes” for whenever He calls us into a new, specific ministry.
Here are some questions to consider:
- Are you living out your universal calling?
- Has the things of this world become more important than your relationship with God?
- Is your life consumed with busyness?
- What are the things you need to surrender in order to focus on your universal calling?
- Which habits need your release?
- Is your specific calling competing with your universal calling?
You may want to make a list of how you spend your time. Pay attention to what you are prioritizing. Where is God on your list? As you pray, go through your list and ask God to show you what changes you need to make. Then be obedient and do as He says.
Click “I would love to hear from you!” and let me know your thoughts.