Day 17 – Life Purpose
Jesus described his life purpose in one sentence: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
At the end of his life, he told his Father, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do” (John 17:4).
Before Pilate he could say confidently: “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth” (John 18:37).
Having a clear life mission and purpose, among other things, produces shame resilience.
Before God planned the world, before you were born, he loved you and had a purpose for you. When you discover and fulfill your life purpose, it brings honor upward to God and inward satisfaction to yourself.
Your God-given purpose is shaped by how God has wired you: Your spiritual gifts. Your heart interests. Your natural abilities. Your unique personality. Your life experiences.
God wants you to be fully you. Your life matters. Become the person God intended you to be.
When you know and live out your life purpose, you become like Jesus, shame resilient.
It doesn’t matter if people dump shame upon you. You’re less likely to internalize it, because you know who you really are as a Christ follower. You know why you’re here on earth. You know what God wants you to do and calls you to do. And you’re doing it for God and for others.
No shame in not trying to please everybody. No shame in not having to do everything. No shame in not trying to be who you are not.
You do what God wants. You serve your family and community well. You listen for the Lord’s “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Wherever you are, whatever you do, you make a difference in fulfilling your life purpose.
Yes, the Holy Spirit will convict you when you sin and call you to repentance. But the Holy Spirit doesn’t shame you, belittle you, disgrace you, expose you, or treat you as defective.
God thinks of you as a person of value. And you decide to agree with him.
God designed you for a purpose. And you choose to fulfill your God-given life purpose without shame – just like Jesus in his life and in his death.
Today: Take some time to think and pray about what you believe is God’s purpose for your life.
~ Pastor Dave
