“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27-28
From the beginning of time, people have searched for the answer to the question, “Why am I here?” Take for example Pastor Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life. Statistics show that this book not only topped bestseller charts, but it also remained on the New York Times Best Seller list for 90 weeks in a row. Written in 2002, it has sold approximately 50 million copies in 85 languages to date. Warren clearly struck a chord with humanity when he decided to tackle the topic of discovering our life’s purpose.
American actor Jim Carrey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.” The truth is human beings were created to be in relationship with God. Only in Christ can you truly find lasting meaning and purpose. Everything else will leave you disappointed and longing for more. Knowing that we would wrestle with this, God gives us a clear answer in Scripture to the meaning and purpose of our lives.
In the beginning chapters of Genesis, God’s creation was in perfect harmony. Until humanity chose to reject God’s good rule with the original sin (Genesis 3). This brought about a separation between us and God. The order of creation, including mankind’s purpose, was disrupted.
There is, however, good news! “For God so loved the world that He sent His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus gives you and me the opportunity to be restored to God and find our true purpose in Him. Only in relationship with God will you find lasting fulfillment and meaning.
Once you put your faith in Jesus Christ, God can begin to gradually unveil and reveal the details of how to carry out your unique and God-given purpose on earth. It’s easy to get sidetracked with lesser pursuits, so it is important to periodically reflect and ask ourselves: Where have I been searching for purpose outside of Jesus? Is it in work or career? Wealth? Family? Another Relationship? Focus on the ultimate relationship in Jesus, and as you follow Him – He will make your life purpose clear.
