I hear it often: ‘Follow your passion.’ But I’ve discovered that there’s something deeper than passion when it comes to shaping a fulfilling life. I’m talking about purpose. It’s that tugging sensation in knowing you were called to something far greater than a hobby, interest- or even yourself. The Holy Spirit directs you towards a life instilled with meaning and contribution.
Now, don’t get me wrong, passion is powerful. It drives you, energizes you, and brings joy. But, it’s not the be-all and end-all. Purpose, on the other hand, gives direction to your passion. It’s the stable ground beneath the flames. While passions might drive and energize you, purpose is your “reason” behind it all.
So why is uncovering your purpose so critical? In my experience, when you’re clear on your purpose, every aspect of your life aligns. Decision-making becomes clearer, your goals become more focused, and your sense of fulfillment grows. You’re no longer a ship adrift; you have a predictable compass to guide you.
In the following section, you will see how to come to understand your purpose in life as a Christian; and that faith and spiritual gifts are inseparable from your life’s calling. At the same time you will recognize that your spiritual gifts can open doors to serve others and fulfill that deep-seated sense of calling.
Finding Purpose Through Faith: The Christian Approach
Finding your purpose begins with God. In the Christian’s life it is clear that everyone is designed with intentionality and for a unique purpose. The Bible speaks to this, saying, ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10). This verse is a cornerstone for understanding purpose in a Christian context.
Spiritual gifts are tools given by God to believers, intended to serve the greater good and to fulfill His will. The concept of spiritual gifts, as laid out in the New Testament, can be essential in discovering your purpose. A spiritual gift can be anything from teaching, hospitality, leadership, to faith, helps and beyond. Knowing your spiritual gifts is critical in discovering your God-given purpose for life.
Prayer and meditation serve as the compass for navigating one’s spiritual journey. In seeking your purpose, turn to these practices for guidance. Ask for clarity and the discernment to understand your gifts in the context of God’s plan. It’s not just about personal fulfillment but aligning your aspirations with the larger, divine blueprint for your life.
Engagement with your church community is invaluable. It’s here that you can put your spiritual gifts into practice and solicit feedback from those you trust. Through service and fellowship, you can find affirmations of your purpose that responds to the needs of the body of believers and community. This interaction between individual calling and communal benefit is unique to the pursuit of purpose within the Christian faith.
Discovering Purpose Through the Spiritual Gifts Assessment
Spiritual gifts are not just ordinary talents or skills; they have a deeper resonance: a spiritual gift is a God-given ability to Believers designed specifically to service His people for the expansion of His Kingdom. From teaching and mentoring to healing and prophecy, these gifts are diverse and potent. They often lie at the intersection of what you’re passionate about and what serves others, hinting at the bigger picture of your life’s calling.
The purpose of Spiritual Gifts is: To equip the Saints for the work of service. God saved us for the work of service by using your gift: 1) internally – to the church; 2) externally – to the world. It is the job of leadership to give you the biblical orientation, so you turn your calling, using your gift, into a ministry and not just a job.
By understanding and tapping into these special endowments, you can open doors to fulfilling work, enrich relationships, and contribute to your community in ways that resonate with your soul. Think of spiritual gifts as clues to your divine assignment—each one offers a piece of the puzzle that is your life’s work.
It doesn’t matter where you are on your faith journey—knowing your spiritual gifts can bring
clarity and direction that aligns with your deepest values and purpose. One of the best tools for this is the Spiritual Gifts Assessment. We will go in depth regarding this tool later.
Living Your Purpose: Taking Action and Making an Impact
Everyone’s journey to living a purposeful life is unique, yet there are important steps we all can take in moving forward. Finding God’s plan and purpose for your life will provide a distinct roadmap for your journey.
Whether you’ve recognized your calling through prayer, identified your spiritual gifts, or found direction within your church, the next step is ACTION. We call this the development of your spiritual gift. It’s important to actualize your purpose through tangible steps, no matter how small they may seem initially.
It’s normal to encounter hurdles along the way. You might face self-doubt, external skepticism, or circumstances that challenge your resolve. Remember, it’s not the absence of obstacles but the persistence through them that defines the pursuit of purpose. The scripture makes this clear – “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Let’s consider examples of individuals who’ve harnessed their spiritual gifts to make a difference. Perhaps it’s a teacher who uses their gift of wisdom to inspire students or a volunteer who demonstrates extraordinary compassion in a community organization. These stories illustrate the profound impact of living your purpose.
Lastly, your understanding of purpose isn’t set in stone. As you grow and life unfolds, it’s essential to reassess and refine your mission. Be prepared to ask yourself tough questions and adjust your goals as needed. This is a journey, not a destination, and staying true to your evolving purpose ensures a life of fulfillment and service.