“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them…and it was very good” (Genesis 1:27,31). 

What is your purpose? Gosh, this feels like such a heavy question. Something that we spend so much energy striving to figure out. I’m not going to get into all of the examples of how we search for our purpose and what this has done to us as a society (especially mentally). The examples of how we feel like our lives aren’t good enough, we aren’t doing enough with our lives, we haven’t become “someone” or “done anything.” I won’t get into this because none of it is true. 

What I am going to do is simply tell you your purpose. My purpose. Our purpose as human-beings living on Earth.  Something that God has been making sure is very clear to me. 

Purpose (n) is defined as : the reason for which something is created; for which something exists. 

Human-beings were created to be image-bearers of God. We exist to bring glory to God through the way we bear His image. 

“Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, who I created for my glory” (Isaiah 43:6-7)

The purpose for which we were created is to bring glory to God through the way we bear His image to others. Period. 

You see, there’s a difference : the purpose for which we were created, and the purpose which was created for us.

We also have a unique and individual purpose that God created for each one of us. This unique purpose is only yours, no other being can fulfill what God has called you to do in your life.  HOWEVER – our unique purpose is (1) secondary and (2) an overflow of our primary purpose. Our unique purpose is revealed when living out our core purpose: being an image of God to the people around you in order to bring Him glory. Love God, love people (Mark 12:30-31 paraphrased). 

As Christians we believe that there are certain ways you live your life, certain things you believe in, certain things you do not partake in, certain things that we do not stand for. 

Did Jesus agree with how every person He came in contact with lived his life? Absolutely not.

Did Jesus love every person He came in contact with? Absolutely.

Do I agree with today’s cultural norms? Absolutely not.

Do I love those people who do? I sure hope so. 

If my first and most important purpose during my time on this Earth is to bring glory to God by being an image-bearer of God then my first action, my first thought, should always be love.  If you first love people, what you will see overflow out of that love will be a burden and a heart-break for those who do not walk with or know Jesus. You will love them harder, you will pray for them more fervently, because all you will want is for them to know the love that you know from Jesus. You will shed tears over people you have never met because you care so deeply about their eternity. Hell is real. Jesus is the only way to Heaven. So bind up fear of man, in the name of Jesus Christ, Satan can have him back. Walk up to that stranger who looks like they’re having a bad day, speak with care to that homeless woman on the side of the road, be an influencer to the people around you of the love of Jesus Christ.  You may never know what a seed of kindness displayed in the name of Jesus will grow into in someone’s life. 

If we stay true to our most important purpose in life then I can promise you God will bring forth each of our unique purposes within the purpose of bearing His image. He’ll place a desire, a burden, a dream within you that is so undeniable that you will know your direction. Your life isn’t yours to figure out, it’s yours to partner with God for Him to reveal to you that which He has created for you.

Always always tend to your core purpose if you have any desire for your unique purpose to be revealed. Because once again, our unique purpose is an overflow of our primary purpose. How are you bearing the image of God? How are you loving others? How are you sharing Jesus’ love to those around you? Do the people in your direct realm of influence know the God that you know? 

If we aren’t impacting people to inspire them to go out and love better, then what are we doing??

I’m going to leave you with two love letters from God (taken from the Thrive Bible for Women) that I hope touch you as deeply as they have touched me. 

“I created you with the ability to influence. This gift should be used to influence them to make good decisions, not to manipulate them. If I purify your heart and motives you will have great impact on others. You have more influence than you realize and you have purpose for that influence. When I created you I gave you the responsibility to help others do what is right in my sight. Use your influence to bring people closer to me and help them become the faithful ones I have called them to be. Even if they don’t respond well, I will bless you for doing my will.” – Your Heavenly Father

“No matter where you are I will give you opportunities to influence others. You are not called to follow, you are called to lead. You are not of this world, your citizenship is in Heaven, and that changes everything. Look for those who need a touch from Me and be an extension of My love to them. Look for those who are lost, and reach out to them. I will give you the ability to be a part of leading them to Me. I have anointed you to change the world by discipling others.” – Your Heavenly Father