A great man once said, "Always do the right thing for the right purpose.”
Doing the right thing is not always the easiest thing to do, but always the right thing to do. Life continues to test us with decisions, decisions, and more decisions. But, that is life. That is what gives life purpose.
Here is my question today. Do you know your purpose in life? When I ask people this question, the answers are numerous. Some say to be a policeman, or husband, or wife, or parent; a friend, or truck driver, or make money, or be a Christian, or be a politician, etc.
But what is your real purpose? Why are you doing what you do and why do you think like you do? Why do you react or not react to certain situations? I believe if you know your purpose in life, it will answer all these questions.
First, knowing your purpose “gives meaning to your life.” Purpose is why we are here on this earth. When you find purpose for your life it takes on a new meaning. Some people work to make a living, others live to make a life. There is a big difference.
Second, knowing your purpose “simplifies your life.” Now you know what you are living for. Now your goals in life are to accomplish your purpose. Instead of things and stuff being your purpose, it’s much more than that. This brings me to the next reason.
Third, knowing your purpose “focuses your life.” To stay focused is to stay on track. To stay focused keeps you alert to opportunities to live your purpose. Staying focused takes both desire and determination.
Focused people are less stressed and more successful. They meet life’s tests head on and overcome because they live for that main purpose in life.
Fourth, knowing your purpose “motivates your life.” We all need motivated. This keeps you going when others give up. Motivated people work harder, stay longer, and give more to what they are doing. Why, because they have true purpose in life. They have found meaning to life, learned how to simplify things, stay focused, and are motivated by always doing the right thing.
There is a simple little story in the Bible about a man who was a pearl merchant. He was
always looking for the best and finest pearls. One day he found one of great value we are told. Do you know what he did next? He went and sold everything he had and bought it. Why would he do this? Because his purpose was to find the best pearl and have it. This pearl cost all he had but it was worth it.
This is why people change careers after years at one they were not fulfilled in. They found the real purpose to why they were here on earth. The purpose is to be fulfilled and happy. To find it is like finding the pearl of great price.
Have you found your real purpose? Don’t give up until you know your purpose and then go for it. You will never be completely fulfilled until you do.
Have a good day and be safe.
Chaplain Bud Yoder