- The greatest tragedy in life is not death but life without a purpose – Dr. Myles Munroe
Life must be purpose-driven. Purpose is life and life is purpose. There are two extremely important days in every man’s life, and they are:
- The day you were born.
- The day you find out why you were born.
It is a big disaster to be going through life and not know why you exist. Why go through the motions of life not knowing why you’re here?
That’s why I agree hundred percent with Dr. Myles Munroe when he said: “The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but life without a purpose.” So it is a big tragedy to be alive and not know why you are even here. But understand that you didn’t drop here by mistake as God has an assignment on earth to be accomplished by you. You have a role to play to make this world a better place. You hold solutions to the world’s problems.
The missing manual
She had been saving for years to buy an expensive device she’s always dreamt of having. After several years of saving, her dream came through and she finally got it. Out of exhilaration, she never paid attention to the manual. She got it charged and started enjoying the features of the gadget.
One day, the gadget someway somehow stopped working, and you can imagine how exasperated she became. At that very moment, can you guess what first came to mind; the manual of the gadget? “Oops! I never paid attention to the manual of this device!” She babbled to herself.
Why didn’t I take time to understand the manufacturer’s mind concerning this gadget? Why didn’t I take the time to know the functions of this device so I could use it to its fullest potential? She asked herself a myriad of questions as she was so frustrated that her huge investment was just going down the drain.
The Lesson
Many are frustrated in life all because they are living this life without any knowledge of whom their ‘manufacturer’ is?
Many have never taken the time to know what the manufacturer’s manual says about them and how best they can unearth their fullest potential.
How can the creation have a fulfilled life without knowing the creator, and why the creator created them?
“When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable”- Dr. Myles Munroe
Imagine being given a gadget you haven’t seen in this life before to use and it came with no manual. You have no idea of its purpose and how best it can serve you. Three things: you may end up not using the gadget at all, you may underutilise the gadget, or misuse the gadget and use it for what it’s not supposed to be used for. This is because when purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable.
How can you live a fulfilling life when you don’t know:
- Who you are?
- Whose you are?
- Why you are here on earth?
- And what your destination is?
When you don’t really know the purpose for which God brought you into this earth, you’ll no doubt abuse the precious life God has given you. Knowing exactly what your job is in life will prevent you from abusing your life.
Who are you, and do you know your intrinsic potential?
The orange seed has that full capacity within it to become an orange tree. It doesn’t struggle to become an orange tree because that’s exactly what it’s been created to be.
The fish has been created with the inherent capacity to swim and does so effortlessly.
The dog barks in several different tones without receiving any ‘barking course’.
The bird has been given all it takes to fly in the air with no stress.
So let’s do this matching exercise: Fill in the blank.
Fish…………. Answer (Swim)
Dogs……….. Answer (Bark)
Birds……….. Answer (Fly)
You…………. Answer ( )
So what are you made of, and what are you supposed to be doing? What do you also have to give to the world? And have you been able to explore all the unique gifts and talents God has inherently placed in you which come naturally to you?
Comparison is the thief of joy
Let me reveal to you one of the big reasons why you are unhappy in life….
You may be trying hard to do what you have not been built to do.
Why should Mr. Bird be envious of Mr. Dog and decide to try every means possible to bark too? Ha! Mr. Bird will definitely get frustrated trying to be Mr. Dog. He may suffer several casualties trying to do what he has no capacity whatsoever to do.
You throw comparison out of the window when your purpose is known.
When the bird has discovered that it’s supposed to be flying, how on earth will it ever compare its abilities to that of the dog or fish and wish it could also bark or swim?
The day the bird decides it will also swim as the fish in the deep seas, it may meet its untimely death; it will get drowned in the deep seas. This is how deadly comparison is. Why wish to be what you are not cut out to be? Why covet to be in a position you don’t have an inherent capacity to handle?
You enjoy true peace in life when you learn to embrace your unique gifts, talents and abilities; and work to become the best version of yourself and not someone’s carbon copy.
Many find themselves in the rat race of life, competing with spouses, siblings, family members, colleagues, etc. This is a waste of precious time. We all need to spend time figuring out our race and focus on our race. Embrace your strengths and weaknesses, run your own race and no one’s race.
What is the true measure of success?
The measure of your success is not in relation to anyone’s achievement but it is a measure of how close you are to exactly what God’s original intent for bringing you here on earth is.
You didn’t drop on the earth by mistake, as God has an assignment on earth to be accomplished by you. And how close you are to fulfilling your exact assignment is what SUCCESS IN LIFE really means. Your success is a measure of how close you are to God’s original plan for your life, and the value you add to the world.
Knowing your direction (purpose) is far more important than speed.
Hmm, when you don’t know exactly where you’re heading in life, everywhere will seem like it. When you don’t know where your destination is, how will you even know when you arrive there?
Come to think of it, will you ever get on a bus, not having an idea of the destination? Because your destination will determine which bus you will board, hence, the direction you will go on that journey.
That’s why the direction is far more important than speed. Many are speeding so much in life but they are sadly in the wrong direction. The purpose will give you the right vision, focus and direction. Without purpose, the people perish. No purpose = No direction.
Why you must figure out your purpose?
Your purpose will dictate the kind of choices you will make in life.
Your purpose will guide you on what to say ‘NO’ to and what to say ‘YES’ to.
Your purpose will guide you on who to partner with in marriage because you will have to choose a partner who has the capacity to go on the purpose journey with you. It is very crucial to start searching for who God has called you to be (PURPOSE) before you start searching for who God has called you to be with (LIFE PARTNER).
Your purpose will guide you as to who can be in your inner circle which has a huge influence on your mindset and values.
Your purpose will ultimately prevent you from living a wasted life here on earth.
When you know your purpose, adversity makes so much sense.
Yes! When you walk in your purpose, adversity makes sense. When you know that everything is connected to getting you to your destination you don’t fret in the face of adversity.
The gold meant for that million-dollar jewelry store knows that going through the fire to get refined is part of its journey. It has no option but to get it refined if it really wants to be where it’s been destined to be.
When you know that you are meant for the top, and God wants to do exploits with you, the mountain highs and valley lows of your life all fit into that big masterpiece God is carving out of your life.
Here are some practical ways to help you figure out your purpose.
If you want the best out of your life, first and foremost, ask God to reveal to you His specific plan for your life.
What do you enjoy doing (morally acceptable) which fires you up and impacts other lives positively?
What productive work are you energised and prepared to do any day and anytime even if you wouldn’t be paid for it?
What are your gifts and talents? What do people who matter in your life usually say you are good at?
What makes you fulfilled when you engage in?
Conclusion
Let this sink deep into all the chambers of your heart today, that you were created for a unique purpose to make a difference here on earth, and not just add to the statistics. The pursuit of a purpose-driven life makes life meaningful and worth living. True fulfilment comes from doing exactly what God wants you to do here on earth.
Time for some reflection…
You may have to pause a bit and seek God’s face. He is your ‘manufacturer’ who knows your inherent potential and holds the exact manual to your life. He alone knows what He wants you to do in this life so you’ve got to find out so that you wouldn’t miss it because you have one life, and it’s got to be well-lived.
The time is now to ask God to help you figure out your unique gifts and talents, develop and use them to build your life, and in turn, become a great blessing to this generation and beyond.
Because at the end of it all, the applause of men wouldn’t count; the most important thing you would want to hear from your Maker – God – is “Well done! Good and faithful servant.”
Proverbs 18:16 – A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.
Be who God meant you to be & you will set the world on fire!
Life is purpose and purpose is life.
The writer is a medical doctor at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi – Ghana. She is a Relationship and Life Coach. Her experience in dealing with Breakup and Divorce cases has given her the expertise to provide the needed support and healing process for people in that acrid circumstances.
Contact: +233596350763
Email: [email protected].
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