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Purposes of God for our life
For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption. (Acts 13:36)
Acts 13:26 explains that we are called to serve God’s
purpose in our generation like David.
Basically, we have two purposes:
Primary purpose: To serve in God’s redemptive plan, which is the salvation of human beings through Jesus Christ.
Secondary purpose: To serve in the job or whatever position we are in.
Serving Primary Purposes of Life in Marketplaces
We often compartmentalize spiritual roles and marketplace roles. However, both have an integral connection. Esther 4:13-14 tells us that the primary purpose for Esther was not to become queen but to save the lives of the Jews. God raises people from nowhere to great positions and influence to serve His primary purposes. Genesis 45:5 tells us that the primary purpose of Joseph was not to become in charge of the lands of Egypt but to preserve the lives of God’s people—Israel.
God has given us jobs, opportunities, and abilities to serve His primary purpose. We are God’s missionaries, messengers, and representatives in marketplaces. We need to understand God’s unique plan for us and partner with Him to serve the primary purposes of our life through our God-given jobs and opportunities. If we miss this, jobs will become our gods and masters. Our priorities will shift to serving our companies for personal benefit instead of serving God’s eternal purposes.
We are raised by God to our current positions in jobs or elsewhere to serve His eternal purposes and make treasure in heaven. At retirement, you may leave behind material resources, but more importantly, you should have a great treasure in heaven, which only happens when you serve God’s primary purposes through your job.
What Are the Primary Purposes of Our Life?
Rick Warren highlights five primary purposes in his book Purpose Driven Life:
- We were planned for God's pleasure: Our first purpose is to offer real worship.
- We were formed for God's family: Our second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.
- We were created to become like Christ: Our third purpose is to learn real discipleship.
- We were shaped for serving God: Our fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.
- We were made for a mission: Our fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.
Living in the Family of God (Church)
1 Peter 2:5 says that we are being built up as a spiritual house. This spiritual house is your local church. When we are born again, we are born into God’s family called the church (Eph. 2:19). The church is an eternal institution and God’s own possession. Nothing on earth is more valuable to God than the church. Rick Warren says, “Your spiritual family is more important than your physical family because it will last forever.”
Relationships in the Church:
God’s plan for your spiritual growth involves relationships with other believers. We grow spiritually through fellowship, not in isolation (Acts 2:42-46; Romans 14:19). Love is the center of this fellowship. God has poured out His love into our hearts, enabling us to love others.
Our Ministry in the Church
1 Peter 2:9 says we are a royal priesthood, called to offer ministry to God in the church. Each member in the body of Christ has a role and ministry to fulfill (1 Corinthians 12:27-31; Romans 12:3-8).
Serving God in the church has eternal consequences. Every opportunity to serve should be eagerly and faithfully taken up under God-given leadership.
Be a Witness to Jesus
1 Peter 2:9 says, “You may proclaim the excellencies of Him.” We are called to reach out and share Christ (Matthew 28:19). This is not optional but an integral part of our calling.
Are We Serving God or Personal Agendas?
Haggai 1:9-11 reminds us of the danger of prioritizing personal interests over God’s work. Treasures on earth will be destroyed, but treasures in heaven are eternal (Matthew 6:19-21).
If you are struggling to understand your calling, pray for an encounter with God as Isaiah did (Isaiah 6). Availability and surrender to God are essential to understanding His purposes.
Rise up and serve God’s purposes in your generation!
Further Readings:
Books on purpose:
The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?
The Purpose Driven Church: Every Church Is Big in God's Eyes