Humans have an innate and deep desire to know they are fulfilling their purpose. This is why there are a plethora of books on the market dedicated to helping people understand why they are here. There are times during a trip to Barnes and Noble that I come across one of these reads.
As I flip through the pages, I am sometimes saddened because the author’s focus is on being your own god, making your plans, trying harder, and believing for bigger success. The author doesn’t tell the reader that accomplishing any purpose apart from one’s Creator doesn’t lead to fulfillment. In fact, there is no way to fulfill your purpose and be free apart from a genuine relationship with Christ.
In a powerful message, author and speaker Dudley Hall explains what happens to us when we disconnect from Christ and try to accomplish our purpose--and live our lives--apart from Him:
“The orphan mentality is a striving mentality. Because when you are conscious that you are separate from the Father’s love, then you start taking on responsibilities of the Father, like, ‘Well, I gotta take care of my provision.’ So worry becomes a part of the deal. Then you gotta take care of your protection, so fear becomes a part of your experience. And you gotta take care of your promotion; that is your significance. So pride and selfish ambition become a part of your experience.”
Hall continues, "So now you have these things driving you, and one of the differences between a son and an orphan is being driven by internal things to meet these needs, whereas a son [or daughter] is free to follow. To respond to the Father.”
This is the fruit of not living in relationship with Christ, of not following Him in your purpose: striving, worry, fear, pride and selfish ambition. But the sons and daughters of God who let Him lead them in their purposes are free to follow in peace. These are the ones who experience fulfillment and joy.
Are you allowing God to lead you in His purpose for your life? I encourage you to turn to your Father today and let Him guide you.
