The Quest Towards Purpose

We often forget the value of small things. We forget the value of things beyond what others may deem 'worthy'.

What if our job doesn't seem to change the world?

What if the dream we once pursued still hasn't progressed?

The quest to have more purpose is a noble one.

It's been instilled in us by a Creator. He orchestrates with intent and value, which has been passed down to the created [us]. We wonder over our legacy and the imprint we leave on the world when what we do seems small.

Consider this:

What if you woke up one day and could not move your thumb?

What if birds ceased singing?

What if no one could smile again?

What if Timothy from the Bible had decided he was too young to learn from Paul?

What if C.S. Lewis thought a children's series wasn't important enough to write?

The minute we second-guess the value of small things and small jobs, we are diminishing the value of other things in life.

Maybe we need to see purpose in a different light.

What if life isn't about how many people we can shape and reach? Maybe it's not about the amount of people who listen to your words. Perhaps it's not about having a job where you turn around and see the direct impact.

What if purpose is less the measure of how much we do and more of the motive behind it?

Purpose is defined as this: The reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists.

Deep within our purpose is simple. As followers of Christ, it's to live in relationship with God and to love others. It is to wake up each day and steward what has been given to you.

The lady at the coffee counter . . . did you offer her a smile or conversation?

When at your job, do you care more for the people than how to get the promotion?

Is your goal to love well and grow more as a person?

Our purpose has to force us to look away from ourselves.

Colossians 3:23-24 says:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

It excludes no one, no task, and no job. It offers nothing to hide behind as an excuse for saying we have no purpose in our daily lives.

If you're a missionary . . . do it like you're serving the Lord.

If you're a teacher . . . do it like you're serving the Lord.

If you're a salesman. . . do it like you're serving the Lord.

If you're washing dishes . . . do it like you're serving the Lord.

There is nothing in this life that does not matter for eternity. Every action and every breath means we have something to fulfill. We have someone to remind they're loved, something to remind us of our Savior, something to grow us, someone who is watching our life.

The small things have purpose.

If we do not feel that way, our thoughts are too small and our pride too large.

Recenter your motives. How can you be used by God now? Why do we have to look five years ahead?

If you are alive, you have a reason for being alive.

I am guilty of not living as this and losing sight of my real reason for existence. I am guilty of not loving/living as I should to ease the strain of my flesh fighting what I know to be true. We all fail, but will we choose to live in that excuse?

Purpose isn't a list of accomplishments or a job. It is in our hearts and actions. Purpose is in the big. Purpose is in the small unseen.

We must live all moments well, and see more value in how we live - and who we live for - over what we do.

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If Purpose Wasn't Deep

If value is only in the amount who witness,

every still wood should be burned.

If glory is found in the praise of many men,

shall we turn our nose to love's gentle whisper?

If true worth is found in our titles,

what is the reason for Charity's endless toil?

If I am only what I do,

we can forget the makings of every heart

and sell our useless souls.