Everyone at some point in their life asks the question, "Is there more to life than what I am experiencing?" The more specific answer to this question has to do with finding your purpose. Finding your purpose is more than knowing what you are called to do. It's doing it with passion and productivity. In order to do that, you must ask yourself four questions. Today's blog, "There Must be More", will get you started on the path toward discovering your God-designed purpose.

MORE TO LIFE THAN MARRIAGE-WORK-PLAY

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren sold millions of copies. Why? Because everyone wants to be someone who makes a marked difference in life. But in order to do that, we must first discover our purpose for being here. There are lots of philosophies, but there is only one truth that drives away the aching desire for purpose that resides in each of us. It is found in the Bible. Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us that God, through Christ Jesus, prepared good works in advance for us to complete. These works are for the purpose of demonstrating God’s glory to the world.  Discovering those ‘good works’ (also known as your calling) takes time and training. If you have not yet discovered your calling, begin your search by asking yourself four questions.

 

1. What does God say about my calling? (Phil 2:1-8, Jas 5:20, 2 Tim 4:3)

• It should better other’s lives.
• It should be done with humility.
• It should showcase God’s glory, not my own.
• It should promote and protect truth.
• It should be focused on Kingdom work.
• It should be done in love.

 

2. What do my talents say about my calling? (Heb 13:20-21)

• Answer this statement: I am very good at ________________. Your answer could be a clue to get you started.
• Pray and ask God to reveal your calling to you.
• Don’t discredit what God tells you just because your talent doesn’t yet match up. He will equip you for what He has called you to.
• Don’t shy away from something because it’s messy, mundane, or mammoth.

 

3. What does my heart say about my calling? (Prov 16:9)

• God will place dreams in your heart. Your calling will often harmonize with those dreams and passions.
• Consider any reoccurring themes or opportunities that have continued to come up throughout your life. Do they coincide with a passion you have?
• What keeps you up at night, brings a sparkle to your eyes, and puts a smile on your face? This could also play a part in the discovery process.
• Take note of certain instances where you have been particularly fruitful and productive. Are you passionate about any of these areas?

4. What do other people say about your calling?

• Have you had several people throughout your life tell you that you are really good at a specific thing? Are you passionate about it as well?
• Have you been passionate about something, but on more than one occasion you’ve been told that it is not your strong suit? This does not necessarily mean that you are not called. You may simply need training and practice. But it is always wise to listen to constructive criticism. Helpful note:

 

Never let praise puff up your head
or criticism rip out your heart.

 

If you have not yet discovered your calling, continue to seek until you find it.

• God’s Word will direct you about it.
• Your talents will lead you to discover it.
• Others will help you define it.
• Productivity (fruit) will declare it.

 

Whatever calling you choose, make sure it brings glory to God.  Then pursue it with passion, purpose, and productivity (Heb 13:21).

 

For more on this topic, listen to my Dare to be Different podcast Episode 2: Find Your Purpose.