Purpose: What if it's not that complicated?
Here's my attempt to make this concept feel less elusive and more accessible to you.
Hey there, welcome to the second issue of the Breakdown. Hope you enjoyed the first newsletter? Here is the link if you missed it. Let's dive right into today’s ‘sermon.’
The issue of purpose came up the other day when I was talking to a friend. She had been trying out to figure out her ‘why’ telling me, “I’m almost in tears.”
Like her, so many people are frustrated, unhappy, even depressed because they can not seem to find their purpose, their reason for existing.
Thanks to motivational speakers, books, movies, we have all become so obsessed with finding our life’s purpose.
We spend time and money attending talks, the seminars and conferences, practically anything promising to help us find this proverbial needle in a haystack.
But what if the answer was right there in front of you the whole time?
If I am being honest, I used to be the same way, driving myself crazy in my search for this elusive ‘why.’ This changed sometime last year when I had this major insight, ‘rhema’ as my fellow believers would say.
It hit me that this thing called purpose is quite simple and straightforward. The reason for our existence, for being on earth, our ‘why’ is simply union with God!
We were created to have and enjoy fellowship with Him. Its what Adam and Eve had in the Garden of Eden and why Jesus came to give us another chance to be reunited with our maker.
That's it you ask? Yes, that's it. This is the ONE thing, the only thing that can put an end to your search, give you fulfilment, take away that empty, hollow feeling inside you that drugs, money, sex, cars, alcohol can never take away.
Some ‘jara’ (Yoruba slang for extra)
Beyond this main purpose, there are additional reasons for your existence. They include loving your neighbour like yourself, spreading the good news and having dominion over the earth.
Concerning work, I need you to understand that you can not afford to make this your purpose. Its something to do on earth but not the sole reason for your existence.
What happens if you lose your job or your career takes a serious hit? Attempting to make your career your purpose means you risk getting seriously unhappy, depressed and even suicidal if anything happens.
With God, we have everything, He helps us figure out what to do with our passions, where to work without them becoming idols. Outside of Him, we risk living for all the wrong reasons.
I encourage you to stop killing yourself on the altar of this thing called purpose and discover everything you need to live a full, wonderful life by simply aligning with your maker.
I would love to hear from you! Tell me what you’re thinking about, struggling with or would like me to address in subsequent letters. Just reply to this email or find me on Twitter. See you next week!
You can expect 2 letters from me weekly.
12noon Nigerian time on Thursdays and Sundays.