Understanding Your PurposeSample

As a little boy, I had my heart set on being a Doctor, but when I failed chemistry in high school, everything changed. Without chemistry, I couldn’t attend University, I wouldn’t be a Doctor and I believed my life was over. I realize it wasn’t the end of the world, but back then, my hopes and my value were based on a future as a Doctor. When that dream died, my hopeful outlook on life died with it. I became severely anxious and depressed.

Our hopes for the future are often attached to dreams of filling certain roles. For me it was being a Doctor, but for you it might be becoming a parent, a minister, a business professional, or a leader in some other field. While these are wonderful aspirations, believing that our purpose is tied to a particular role, is dangerous because roles are seasonal.

In many parts of the world, seasons change from winter, to spring, then from summer to fall. Even our bodies go through different seasons and stages of life. Our roles will change too.

When our sense of purpose is tied to a role, our purpose ends as soon as the role does. Without purpose, we no longer have a reason to live. Like my teenaged-self, many people find themselves depressed, believing they are not useful and that there is no point to living without a specific role. Some even choose to end their lives. Seeing your purpose as filling a temporary role, can be lethal.

In addition to believing that being a Doctor would make me worthwhile I trusted it would provide financial security. This belief is just as dangerous. When being a Doctor became my purpose, it also became my god. When we believe we need to fill a role, other than being in a loving relationship with God, we put our trust in the role and invest our life in pursuit of it. This life-bound pursuit is worship.

Although following God’s lead and discerning how to serve others is an important part of honoring Him, as you spend time with Him and walk before Him, remember that your humble and devoted heart is what matters most to Him. It is the only purpose that will last throughout eternity.