Everyone has a purpose.
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance…(Colossians 3:23-4, King James Version)”
Your purpose is to bring glory to God.
God created Adam and Eve. He gave them a garden. He gave them everything in the garden.
The only thing God withheld from the couple was the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
“For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.(Genesis 3:5)”
The serpent deceived Eve with the temptation she and Adam would become like God.
Anything that falls short of bringing glory to God is sin.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23)”
The gospel is the story of God’s plan for restoration.
Why Jesus had to die
He did not come to:
- make you happy
- make you wealthy
- make you successful
He came to:
- redeem your sinfulness
- restore your relationship to God
- renew your spirit
Whether a person lives in wealth and comfort or poverty and suffering they need to understand their purpose. When a person believes their purpose is for anything short of bringing glory to God they will be disappointed. We will never be fulfilled by anything short of an eternal goal beyond anything or anyone in creation.
Like the serpent in the garden, voices in culture promise satisfaction in things that cannot fulfill. Culture tells us we find fulfillment in:
- whatever brings you joy
- serving the nation
- doing your job well
- family role
None of these things is inherently wrong. To the contrary, when anyone pursues any of these from a healthy place they truly can be deeply gratifying. Ultimate fulfillment does not come from any of these endeavors.
As the author expresses in Ecclesiastes, “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit(Ec. 1:14).” Chasing after fulfillment in anything short of glorifying God in all you say and do will be disappointing.
Soulwinners understand God brings people into our lives to share the gospel. As you meet people, listen for their desire to find fulfillment in things around them and a sense of purpose. Share with them the true purpose of every man, woman, boy and girl: bring glory to God.
Footnotes:
- It is worth noting the serpent was not wrong that the man and woman would become like God and that was part of the motivation for the prohibition against eating from the tree as evidenced by His response to evict them from the Garden so they could not eat from the tree of life.