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Christians, like everyone else, often ask, “What is my purpose in life?”
The simple answer, as taught in the Westminster Shorter Catechism, is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. However, such an answer is not always easy to understand or convey, even within the church. Humans are not mere robots, programmed to act, think and behave in the same way.
The Apostle Paul made it abundantly clear that the purpose of man is to glorify God in all things (1 Cor. 10:31). He also taught that individual spiritual gifts exist, referencing wisdom, knowledge, and faith (1 Cor. 12). We could add teaching, compassion, and many other traits directly associated with the indwelling of the Spirit.
Yet one paramount lesson remains regarding the gifts given to Christians: they are to be exercised for the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.
In Romans 12, Paul shared: “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Romans 12:4-5).
Some will prosper in teaching the Scriptures and in serving as missionaries or leaders of the church. Others excel at exercising compassion and understanding and almost thrive at showing the grace and love of God in times of difficulty. And some may possess the ability to encourage and exercise great wisdom and reason. Regardless of one’s gifts, we are told to unite in the body of Christ for the purpose of the kingdom of God.
The local church matters; no Christian would deny such a statement, yet the global Church, the body of Christ, is to be the most unified part of Christianity.
As simple as the question of finding one’s purpose in life is, it is actually complicated because not every Christian is called into formal ministry or to lead a mission or church. Yet, it does not make them less Christian, nor less important in Christ’s eyes.
Paul plainly taught that the purpose of life is to glorify God, but he went further and explained that glorification is best experienced as a unified body of Christians.
Perhaps in layman’s terms, the Church should function as a military unit or a football team, each made up of individuals with distinct talents and tasks, yet united for the purpose of winning the battle or game. The Church, in the same way, has a battle to win: to bring glory to God and share the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Regardless of your past, the vocation you hold, or the talents or hobbies you have, Jesus Christ expects the world mission to be personal, and you have a place and purpose.
It would do well to be a daily reminder that the Greatest Commandment urges us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Does this not fall directly into the Great Commission, where we are told to bring the message of salvation to all ears on earth?
As we conclude, it is fair to question, what if I do not know my gifts? This is fair, and a frequent question among believers. Thanks be to God, we have the church and members of our faith who can often encourage and kindly remind us of our purpose and how best to use our gifts to serve Jesus Christ.
Your purpose is not a title you hold, but the unique way you have been equipped to bring glory to God through service to others.