What is My Purpose?
Photo image courtesy Pixabay
A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.
– Proverbs 16:9 (CSB)
When you and I accepted the Lord into our hearts, the Holy Spirit gave us a gift. Did you feel it? Maybe you did and maybe you didn’t, but you have talent and gifts you use every day.
Think about the attributes that come easy for you. Can you do math in your head before you can type the numbers into the computer or write them down on paper? Do you always make a point of noticing someone’s new hair cut or cute earrings they are wearing? Maybe you love to write, paint pictures, or paint buildings. Maybe you’re the one that people always look to for leadership, or you have a way of teaching so that others can understand. These are gifts you’ve been given that make you—you. All our gifts can be used for God’s glory. Matthew 5:16 tells us to use our gifts in such a way that others will see and give glory to God.
In general, we are to produce works (or fruit) if we are believers. Faith without works is dead. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts so that we can serve our Lord. The Great Commission urges us to share our faith with everyone we can. We aren’t all great evangelists but we can share our faith through our art, music, writing, assistance, giving, caring, and teaching. There are so many ways to share our Jesus. If you don’t know what your gifts are, you can ask a friend or spouse to help you see them. Then find a way to use your special gifts for God’s glory.
I used to have a really hard time comparing my abilities and even my gifts to others. I always found myself lacking and was envious of people who seemed to make bigger differences in the world. I didn’t recognize that my gifts made any difference at all. I cried out to God, “Why can’t I be someone that leads or affects change?” Slowly, and with the help of God through my sweet husband, I began to see that my gifts of compassion and mercy do make a difference. Maybe not in a huge way but for one person at a time, in one situation at a time I can be the help that person needs and I can share my faith. You may have heard about the little boy walking along the sea shore that stopped and tossed beached starfish back into the ocean after a storm. A man watching him asked why he bothered. “There’s so many—you can’t save them all.” The boy smiled and said as he threw one more back into the waves, “It matters to that one.”
Questions for Reflection:
1. See your gifts. Ask a close friend or spouse to help you realize what you are really good at.
2. How can you use your gifts to help others and glorify God?
3. Remember you are loved and the works you produce matter to God.
