New Reminders: Purpose
by Ardith Hoff
Each person or thing has a purpose––the reason for which it exists, was invented or created. For example, the principal purpose of a pencil is to facilitate the making of marks, writing words or symbols or drawing shapes or images. We each have a purpose for which we were created and God has devised a plan (his will) for each of us to follow. He also gave us the choice of whether or not to follow his will. The problems for us are to figure out the plan, whether we choose to follow it, and how to know when we are following it. I have written about this topic in an essay titled “Discernment”. One of the verses I used in that essay applies here as well. “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11”
While this verse only seems to hint at how to discern God’s will, it does emphasize how important it is. The “hint “is actually quite specific. It directs those who want to discern what God has in mind will do everything from an attitude of “love” and at the same time, to increase in “knowledge”. In this, the information age, ignorance is not a valid excuse for not knowing. The bible is available for all who can read and is even available in brail for the blind and in audio form for the hearing impaired. There are pastors and other mature Christians who can help us understand God’s word through sermons, Bible studies and by example. We can also pray for clarity. The key is to be open to loving and learning.
As a Christian, our meaning and purpose in life is to affirm that the purpose of life is to let God love us and to live in a way that brings glory to Him. If we truly want to give ourselves over to doing God’s will, we must dedicate ourselves to God. He has promised to guide us through the Holy spirit. He did not promise He would do the work for us, but if we are sincere, He will help us know the right thing to do. Our responsibility is to follow through and accomplish the tasks He lays before us. “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10