“You are here for a purpose” is an oft heard expression. And most of us would agree. Whether we are religious, spiritual, or not, we tend to believe we have been placed on Earth for a reason. Why then, do we tend to downplay the importance of our purpose?
Lack of self-worth. We don’t think we have much to offer to others, or, on a larger scale, to our community or culture in general. Little old me murmurs that inner voice? I may be smart enough to get by in this world, earn a decent living or care for my family, but other than that? Not much.
The sin of comparison. We tend to base what we can do—the ways we can help or serve—on the abilities and talents we don’t have rather than what we have been given that might be a blessing to others. When we get stuck in the compare rut we diminish the good, the lovely, the gifted parts of who we are because we buy the lie they aren’t enough. Others are much more capable and qualified than I am so why bother?
Too much focus on material value. How many times do we decide not to give—of our financial resources or the gift of self—because we believe our contribution is not big enough to make a positive difference? While numbers, bottom lines, and profit/loss concepts are necessary to run a strong, successful business, to place a monetary value on our purpose is to question the wisdom of our Creator God who knows best what each of us has been given to share with our fellow human beings.
A tendency to allow our limitations to call the shots. This is an area of reasoning and rationalizing any of us—not just those of a certain age—can resort to as justification for not allowing our purpose to prevail. Personally, I am unable to physically do what I once did. Does that mean I’m to sit in a corner? Hardly. It means I focus on what I can do. This also means being honest about what may be a limitation and what is not. That I cannot lift our heavy ceramic pots doesn’t mean others don’t get to enjoy the beauty of the flowers we plant. It simply means we use lighter weight containers.
The belief that our purpose has to be bigger than life—or at least big enough to seem worthwhile. This kind of thinking diminishes the meaning and value of the special aspects of our personality and talents that God knows are a perfect fit for who He has created us to be. When we begin to evaluate the worth of our purpose by the size and impact of what we can accomplish, we may overlook many opportunities to love and be of service. The problems arise when we think our efforts aren’t worthy to be shared because they seem too small.
One of the easiest ways to illustrate the importance of purpose is consider the multitude of herbs and spices that flavor our world. Jesus exhorts all of us to be salt. Nonetheless, where would we be without a dash of pepper? A spoonful of cumin? A sprig of rosemary or thyme? Bland. Little flavor, that’s for sure.
When we try to brush aside or minimize our purpose—whether for the hour, the day, or the span of our lifetime—we keep to ourselves what God intends as love and encouragement for others.
So, go ahead. Be brave. Be purposeful. Our world has never been more in need of kindness, compassion, and the simple acts and actions that may make all the difference to one single person. Be the spice in the life for someone who needs the flavor and goodness you have been given to share.
Do you tend to downplay the gifts God has given you? Why?
How do you feel about inviting God to show you your purpose at any given moment?
