Is where you are your purpose? Is your career your purpose or is it something else?
Where You Are
I’ve heard some people say that wherever you’re at, that’s your purpose. This even gets spiritualized. People say wherever God puts you, that’s your purpose. I think this really is just a way to chicken out and stay comfortable. From a spiritual perspective, I don’t see this as a pattern in the Bible. Most people mentioned in the Bible are sent. They’re told to go, not told to stay.
Is the homeless person’s purpose really to be homeless? Does God really want us to keep to ourselves and live a small life, or is it more likely that He has something bigger in mind for you?
Your Career
Other folks seem to indicate that our career is our purpose. They say that our purpose is the combination of something that uses our strengths, something we like doing, and something that brings in money. I had an awesome career just like this when I had my heart attack. I found out that a career is mostly self focused and isn’t ultimately fulfilling. Some very big life-sized questions don’t get answered by a great career.
Your Purpose
I’ve discovered that we’re all in this together – that were part of a greater community. It really is not just about ourself. Ultimately I believe our purpose is to contribute something meaningful to the world – whatever your world is. Ultimate satisfaction comes when we are other-focused. Of course, to do this we need all the boost and drive we can get. This means that we are working in our passions and our strengths to make this meaningful impact.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to figure out what this meaningful contribution should be for you. What is your purpose?
