What is my Purpose in Life?

by Clint Delaplane

Have you ever thought about your purpose in life? I remember hoping that I was made for some greater purpose but also being frustrated because I had no idea what that greater purpose was. Unfortunately, without a clear sense of higher purpose I felt empty, unimportant, and ultimately like nothing really mattered.

I was told that my purpose was to be happy, to serve others, and to know myself. These seemed like good things but I knew something big was missing. I still felt incredibly empty inside. I was a lot like an old refrigerator that I had seen in Venezuela several years ago. A rural farmer had invited me inside his house where he showed me his prize possession. When the farmer opened the door of his disconnected refrigerator he revealed a stack of newspapers and a few books. Now, I imagine if that refrigerator could talk it would have said, “I feel like I have a greater purpose.” And going to its manufacturer it would have learned that it was made to be plugged in and to keep food fresh.  That old fridge did have a greater purpose.

The same is true for you and me—if we really want to know why we are here, we need to go to our Manufacturer. Our Creator made us to glorify and enjoy him forever. We were made to enjoy a vibrant relationship with God and to reflect his character to others. If anything else in life becomes more important than that, then we will feel like a “bookshelf refrigerator”, knowing and sensing that we were made for so much more. But, when we are “plugged in,” walking with and glorifying God daily, that longing for a higher purpose is finally satisfied. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” ( 1 Corinthians 10:31).