These are the five benefits of living a purpose-driven life:
1. Knowing your purpose gives your life meaning
We were made to have meaning; with it we can tolerate anything; without meaning, we find it hard to bear life's struggles. God gives new meaning to our lives. (Is 49:4)
If we have meaning or purpose in our lives, we have hope. Hope is essential. God tells us about our hopeful future in Jer 29:11. God can do it all, even when we feel hopeless. (Eph 3:20)
2. Knowing your purpose simplifies your life
Purpose in our lives defines what we do, and what we don't do. It becomes our moral standard. The question to ask ourselves becomes, "Does this activity help to fulfill one of God's purposes for my life?" A purpose gives us a foundation on which to base our decisions for our life. Without it, we make the wrong choices based on peer pressure, our circumstances or our mood at the time.
Purpose-driven living slows down our lives, as we are just doing what God intends for us to do, and God gives us enough time to complete our intended tasks. If our schedules are too packed, we possibly are trying to complete tasks that others expect and not the tasks that God has set for us. Peace of mind comes from just completing God's tasks. (Is 26:3)
3. Knowing your purpose focuses your life
Purpose focuses our energy on the important things and lets the unimportant pass us by. Without purpose, we will allow distractions in our lives. We may allow one of these distractions to change our focus, looking for more happiness. As we stated in earlier lessons, true happiness comes from God; God gives purpose; and purpose gives peace. Do not get distracted with all of the shiny things that come into our lives. (Eph 5:17) We need to keep focused on what God wants, and we will ultimately be happy. Think about what the apostle Paul did, almost single-handedly, all because he stayed focused. (Phil 3:13)
4. Knowing your purpose motivates your life
Purpose produces passion. When our work has purpose, we have energy; we have a passion that drives us forward.
5. Knowing your purpose prepares you for eternity
Instead of worrying about leaving a legacy here on earth, we need to focus on what God thinks of us. Things in this life are here one day, gone the next. Whereas,things of God are eternal. (Rom 14:10 b, 12)
God is concerned with only two things. 1) That we accept His Son as our Savior. 2) What we do with the things that He gives to us. Do we hoard them for ourselves or use them how God intends them to be used?
Point to Ponder
Living on purpose is the path to peace.
Verse to Remember
Is 26:3
Question to Consider
What would my family and friends say is the driving force of my life? What do I want it to be?
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