This is the first in our series, Ten Principles for Re-Igniting Your Life.
Principle #1: It is not selfish, nor is it a sin, to focus on your personal meaning, purpose and mission in life.
Periodically, Christians throw the baby out with the bathwater. In an attempt to say we ought to be Christ-centered, not self-centered, some say we shouldn’t dwell on discovering our unique purpose in life. We should completely focus on Christ and his Kingdom purpose. To concentrate on one’s individual meaning and life purpose is too self-centered, selfish and perhaps even sinful.
It seems to me that focusing on my life’s purpose isn’t egocentric – it’s good stewardship. It might even be called obedience! Discerning my life purpose and meaning is embracing all God has created me to be, with gifts, skills, passions, strengths, and rich experiences – and then seeking how to glorify Him through my being and my doing.
The Bible points the way to finding our life purpose through instruction and in the telling of life stories. Consider the Scriptures that describe how we are fearfully and wonderfully made, that we are his workmanship designed to do good works, and that we are called according to His purposes. It’s encouraging to read the life of Moses and watch his life play out before our eyes as step by step he finds his way to actually becoming Israel’s deliverer! Or think of Joseph who understood his strengths were best used as a strategist and a leader and his purpose was to be a protector. He faithfully developed and exercised his gifts, skills and faith throughout his life and ultimately saved his people from ruination.
Richard Leider, author and consultant, defines life purpose as: “What I’m meant to do and be while I’m here on earth.” (The Power of Purpose, pg. 6). He also goes on to say, “Mature adults are driven by the pursuit of meaning and purpose in their lives, and that the older people are, the more important living with meaning and purpose becomes.”
Discovering who we are and discerning God’s purpose for our lives is central to true discipleship – especially in the second half of life. Sometimes we get confused about purpose and make it more rigid and complex than it really is. Here are a few thoughts:
- Sometimes “purpose” is hard to pin down, vague and elusive. We need to relax and take time to look at our lives and the paths we’ve be on to this point. We may need a new perspective.
- Our purpose in life is evolving and growing throughout our lifetime. It’s built on our experiences. It’s reflected in what interests us or piques our curiosity.
- We need to persevere in discerning our purpose. We need to keep growing in it, learning from our successes and failures, seeking God, and listening to our hearts.
- Living in the power of purpose is enjoyable, fun, pleasurable and fulfilling. While we may end up in challenging situations or locations, living out our life’s purpose is what makes life full.
Discerning one’s purpose in life is not selfish, nor is it a sin. In fact, those who find their purpose usually aren’t self-preoccupied at all. They are living lives that serve others. They are investing in something larger than themselves. Their action is infused with love and the spirit of giving.
Somehow, I think Jesus would like that.
by Leona Bergstrom, Director Re-Ignite
