What Does It Mean to “Live On Purpose”
We have all asked the questions “What is my purpose? Or Why was I created?” Some of you may have even read the powerful book “Purpose Driven Life” – by Rick Warren. But, what does it mean to Live on Purpose.
I have 5 points that I would like to share with you about “Living On Purpose”.
#1 Living On Purpose means that you surrender all of your will to God.
Your will is to do the will of the Father. You have taken on the attitude of Christ who says, “Yet not as I will, but as you will” – Matthew 26:39b (NIV). This mindset makes it easy to hear and obey what the Holy Spirit is telling you to do. Knowing that God is with you every step of the way. You can walk with a holy confidence because you know it was God that willed this in you to do (Philippians 2:13). God has promised to complete the good work He placed in you. “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” – Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
#2 Living On Purpose is knowing that God has a plan for your life.
You are not an accident. Your birth did not catch God off guard. You were created by God with a specific purpose in mind. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11
(NIV). God knew you before you were formed in your mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5a) and had already mapped out your life and purpose. You need to know and believe this in order to Live on Purpose. If you don’t know seek and ask God what has He placed in you to share
with the world for His glory. Then live each day under the guidance of the Holy Spirit who leads you into the will of the Father (John 16:13). God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and lead us according to His will and plan for our life.
#3 Living On Purpose means that you don’t live your life comparing yourself to others.
You know who you are based on what God has said about you in His word. Yes, you are fearfully and wonderfully made! (Psalms 139:14) You know that the assignment God has for you, only you can do. God purposefully and strategically crated your personality and abilities for you to fulfill that assignment/s. You know how to stay in your lane and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. God has your time and season already prepared (1 Corinthians 2:9). All you have to do is Obey!
Don’t look at other people and see how far along they are (some doing the same thing you are doing). In your eyes it seems or looks like you aren’t making progress. Remember God has a set time and a set people for you. There is a remnant just for you, that only you will be able to reach.
Comparison gets you unfocused and causes you to lose ground. Basically it can cause delays.
Instead, celebrate with those that are doing the willof God. Knowing that your time is coming! You will want them to celebrate with you when that time comes.
*I often use the example of a ‘Place Setting’ at a dinner table* You have a plate, bowl, glass, silverware, and napkin. In their proper (or purposed) place they are beautiful and effective. But when they try to be something they were not created to be, they make a mess. The same
for us, when we compare and try to be anything other than what God created us to uniquely be – WE MAKE A MESS!
#4 Living On Purpose means that you are not allowing fear to stop you.
You are not allowing fear or negative people to stop you from doing what God has told you to do. Fear causes doubt and you will begin to question what God has already told you. Don’t allow fear and doubt to paralyze you. Keeping you from moving forward. Put fear in its place (2 Timothy 1:7) and be about your Father’s business! “We must obey God rather than men!” – Acts 5:29
#5 Living On Purpose means you are living afulfilled life!
When you are walking in the will of God you experience true happiness and fulfillment. You will not live a fulfilled life until you are doing the will of God. (John 15:10-11) So the questions you should be asking are “What is God’s will for my life?” and “What does God want me to be doing in this season of my life?” This way you are not just being busy but effective. Enjoying every day life as you “Live On Purpose”.
RECAP:
- Know who you are based on what God has said about you
- Surrender your will and line up with the will of the Father
- Know that you are uniquely made for a specific purpose
- Beware of Comparison
- Don’t allow Fear to stop you or cause you to doubt
- Obey the leading of the Holy Spirit and live a Fulfilled life!
