Many of us seek clarity on whether we’re truly living out our purpose. How do you know that the mission you’re pursuing is more than a personal ambition or temporary goal? This three-part checklist offers a guide to test the authenticity of your purpose, helping ensure that it aligns with God’s intentions for your life. By examining whether your purpose is divinely inspired, aligns with your unique design, and serves others, you can find deeper fulfillment and confidence that you’re walking the path meant for you.
Main Points
1. God-Inspired
The first question to ask is whether your purpose is inspired by God. Genesis 1:28 highlights God’s original intention for humanity, reminding us to be fruitful, multiply, and make a meaningful impact on the world. A purpose inspired by God goes beyond personal interest or external rewards; it’s rooted in something eternal.
To test if your purpose is God-inspired, consider if it aligns with biblical values of love, justice, kindness, and integrity. Reflect on whether this purpose brings you closer to God and encourages a life that honors His principles. Purpose that is truly God-inspired often comes with a sense of peace, resilience, and motivation that goes beyond what we can explain. It challenges you to grow spiritually and to make decisions that honor both God and those around you.
Example: A business leader may feel called to build a company not only for profit but to serve the community, provide fair employment, and create sustainable practices. This isn’t merely a preference—it’s a purpose that honors God by stewarding resources wisely and considering the welfare of others.
Checklist Question: Is your purpose divinely inspired, calling you to align with God’s values and plan?
2. Aligned with Your Design
Each of us has a unique design: our talents, skills, personality, and life experiences. When you’re living out your purpose, it should feel aligned with this design, coming as a natural extension of who you are. If your purpose constantly feels like an uphill struggle that clashes with your inherent strengths, it may be worth re-evaluating.
God has equipped each person with specific gifts to fulfill their purpose. Embracing your design means recognizing and utilizing the gifts God has given you to bring something unique into the world. Purpose is not about forcing yourself into a mold that doesn’t fit; it’s about growing into the person God created you to be, using your natural gifts in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling.
Example: If you’re naturally gifted in teaching, your purpose might involve educating or mentoring others in some capacity. Trying to build a career that has little to do with this gift might feel unfulfilling and frustrating, whereas aligning with your gift for teaching could provide both joy and a sense of purpose.
Checklist Question: Does your purpose align with the talents and skills that feel most natural to you, drawing from the unique design God has given you?
3. Focused on Serving Others
True purpose is never solely self-centered. When our purpose is authentic, it extends beyond our personal needs, focusing on positively impacting others. Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God and our neighbors, and a purpose rooted in love for others reflects this teaching. True purpose isn’t about boosting personal status or gaining recognition—it’s about service, humility, and helping others live better lives.
When you’re focused on serving others, you’ll likely find that your purpose brings out the best in you. It fosters qualities like compassion, generosity, and humility. Serving others also glorifies God, allowing you to reflect His love and grace in practical ways. Purpose-driven actions create ripples, uplifting and inspiring those around you to live with greater purpose and intentionality as well.
Example: Someone working in healthcare may find that their purpose is not only to provide medical treatment but also to bring hope and comfort to patients. This outward focus shifts their work from a job to a meaningful calling that serves both patients and God’s greater purpose of compassion and healing.
Checklist Question: Does your purpose focus on serving others, fostering humility, and bringing out your best qualities?
Reflections
Take time to reflect on your current mission in life. Use this checklist as a compass for purpose-driven living. Is your purpose God-inspired, aligned with your unique design, and focused on serving others? If the answer is yes, you can feel confident that you’re walking the path God intended for you. If not, don’t be afraid to make adjustments.
As you refine your goals, ask God to guide you in aligning them with His vision. In doing so, you can live a life that brings joy, fulfills your calling, and creates a legacy that honors God. Purpose is a journey, and by continually checking in with these principles, you can ensure you’re living a life of meaning and impact. Let’s commit to purpose-driven living, allowing God’s wisdom to shape our journey and our legacy.
