Don’t Miss Your LifeSample

A New Purpose

What is your purpose? This question is critical because how you answer will determine your focus, and your focus will determine your target. Your target will determine your significance, and your significance will determine your fullness of life.

But here’s a challenge: most Americans prioritize happiness over everything else.

According to a recent survey, the majority of Americans, sixty-nine percent, say they find their greatest happiness (and meaning) through family. Thirty-four percent of Americans say they find their greatest happiness (and meaning) through career. Twenty-three percent cite money. Nineteen percent cite things like faith, friends, and hobbies. Health also makes the list, as sixteen percent of Americans say that good health is an important part of the happiness (and meaning) they find in life. [“Where Americans Find Meaning in Life,” Pew Research Center, November 20, 2018.]

So, statistically, you want to be happy. I get it. I feel the same. I want to be happy. I want my family to be happy. I want to have a meaningful career, make money, have friends, enjoy hobbies…I want it all…in abundance. It’s why I’m so consumed by the offer Jesus makes: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”(John 10:10 NIV).

Life to the full.

It’s why Jesus came to earth. It’s why Jesus died. Have you ever thought about this?

Jesus’ purpose was to offer life to all who would receive it. Jesus called himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35). Jesus called himself “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6 NIV). Speaking to a woman about her dead brother, Jesus shortened his title. Here’s what he says: I am…life (John 11:25 NIV). It’s why Jesus came. It’s why Jesus died. To offer life. But maybe we confuse happiness with life sometimes? Maybe we think happiness is life? Maybe we make happiness our target?

I’ll say it straight: happiness is good, but it’s a bad target for life.

Happiness is fickle.

Happiness fluctuates.

Happiness is found in what’s happening around you.

It’s the problem of making happiness the goal: happiness depends on happenings.

Significance is altogether different.

Significance is a perspective. Significance is a pursuit. Significance is a purpose. It’s also the secret to the life Jesus offers. Significance can be your goal.