Purpose is a powerful thing. It’s what drives us out of bed in the morning, offers us direction, and provides meaning in our lives. Without purpose, it’s easy to veer off course and end up wandering aimlessly along the road of life, simply existing rather than truly living.
Life’s journey is filled with many twists and turns. And the way is not always clear. But there’s joy to be found in the journey when you walk your path with intention and purpose. Here are three ways to live a life of purpose.
1. Live For a Purpose
First, identify your “why.”
Why are you here? What’s your reason for being? Your purpose is the ultimate destination of your journey. It’s the compass that guides your way.
“Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-19
As a Christian, my purpose in life is to know and love God. And to share that love with others. To know Him and make Him known. With that in mind, my personal mission is to serve others and provide a living example of God’s love.
What’s yours?
2. Live Out Your Purpose
Next, determine your “what.”
What path will you take to achieve your purpose or reach your ultimate destination? The path you take can also be thought of as your calling.
Determining your path involves a side trip down the road of self-discovery, one on which you’ll identify your passions and interests as well as your gifts, skills, and talents. Once these are identified, you can create your own unique roadmap that allows you to utilize your gifts, skills, and talents while pursuing your passions and interests to achieve your purpose.
On this journey we call life, you may be drawn to pursue different passions or interests at various points along the way. You may even discover and develop new skills and talents. So while your ultimate destination remains the same, the path you follow to get there may change. That’s why it’s important to periodically revisit the road of self-discovery to stay attuned to these changes and adjust your path when necessary to be able continue to walk with intention and live out your purpose.
3. Live With Purpose
Finally, figure out the “how.”
How will you live out your overall purpose in the day-to-day?
Living with purpose involves the intentional act of ensuring your daily actions and activities align with your overall purpose. It also requires focus and discipline to ensure you remain on the right path, which is not always easy but well worth the effort.
There’s much joy to be found in the journey when you live for a purpose. And when you live out your purpose. And when you live with purpose.
