Finding God’s Purpose From Three Perspectives
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers God’s eternal purpose, greater purpose, and practical purpose.
Who am I? Why am I here? What’s my purpose?
We all ask these profound questions at some point in life. And a comprehensive view of purpose considers it from three perspectives.
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers your eternal purpose
Scripture teaches we were created to praise, worship, and live in community with God for eternity. But the entrance of sin ruined this relationship. However, Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for sin and restores the relationship with his gift of salvation.
A secular mindset rejects the authority of a creator and celebrates individual autonomy. But complete individual autonomy is an illusion. Because no one survives without God’s sustaining presence in the world and the cooperation of other people.
Here are a few scripture passages about your eternal purpose.
- To praise and worship the Lord in reverence and awe (John 4:23, Psalm 145:1)
- To work (Genesis 2:15)
- Live in submission to God (Philippians 2:9-10)
- To live in community with God and other people (2 Corinthians 6:16, Revelation 21:3-4)
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers your greater purpose
We all want to make our life count. To advance a mission…find a special calling…work for a higher cause. Scripture encourages us to use our gifts, talents, and abilities for God’s glory. And serve His kingdom.
But this perspective is also where we often get hung up. As if a greater purpose and God’s will for our life is a mystery we have to solve. So we take personal inventories, career aptitude, and spiritual gift tests to determine where we fit in the world and in God’s plan. And sometimes obsess in analysis paralysis.
Two principles that have guided me in finding God’s purpose for my life
1. One of my seminary professors, Grady Lowery, always said, “find what you do best for the Kingdom of God and do it.”
Sounds almost too simple, right? And yet it has helped me navigate different career choices in church ministry and the secular marketplace. But always with a sense that God was leading and in control.
So what passion has God has placed in your heart? What gifts and abilities has he given you? How can you best use them for His Kingdom? The answer to these questions will often provide a pathway.
2. Henry Blackaby, author of Experiencing God invites us to “join God where he is working.”
This advice led me into many ministries over the years. Rather than searching for my exact fit, like a solitary piece in God’s grand puzzle, I simply walked through open doors of opportunity where God was clearly working. And I never felt like any of them were outside of God’s will.
Here are a few scripture passages to also consider.
Finding God’s purpose from three perspectives considers your practical purpose
God’s Word is not a collection of rules and regulations to control you. But guidance for a life that honors, glorifies, and pleases Him. As you follow its precepts, you’ll pursue God’s intended purpose for this life.
Because rather than confine you, it helps you navigate the relationships and circumstances in life. Nor does it suppress your individuality and unique abilities. But encourages you to fully express them for God’s glory.
- Praise & worship God (Psalm 95-6-7)
- Making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20)
- Living in community with other followers (Hebrews 10:25)
- Growing to be like Jesus in likeness and imitation (Colossians 3:9-10, Ephesians 4:24)
- Living in service and submission to God (Luke 9:23)
- Following his commands and teachings: (Psalm 119:97-104)
Need a purpose statement? A scripture verse I use is Micah 6:8.
“He has told you O man, what is good and what the Lord requires of you. To live justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
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About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.
