Over the past two blogs, we have looked at our first purpose and our general purpose. However, there is another level of purpose we have not yet discussed. Not only does everyone have their first purpose (to know, love, and follow Jesus), and their general purpose (Worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and evangelism), but each one of us also has a specific purpose. While our first and general purpose are universal, our specific purpose is unique for each and every one of us.
Galatians 6:4-5, says; Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life” (The Message). As you better understand who God made you to be and the work he wants you to do, you will better understand your specific purpose. God has equipped you to fulfill a purpose that he specifically put you on this earth to fulfill.
Here are five areas to “carefully explore” to better understand “who you are and the work you have been given”.
Natural Abilities
What are you naturally good at doing? What seems to come easier for you than it does most other people? What are some of those talents and strengths you have naturally developed?
Inspirational Gifts
Everyone who has decided to follow Jesus has received what the Bible calls spiritual gifts. I would encourage you to read Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and 27-31; Ephesians 4:11-12; and 1 Peter 4:9-11, for a list of spiritual gifts. There are some spiritual gift surveys available online and they are helpful in discovering your spiritual gift. However, the best way is to simply try something that appeals to you and see how it goes. If it seems like a good fit, perhaps you have discovered your spiritual gift. If it is not a good fit, try another one.
Character
How did God wire your brain? When I talk about understanding your character I am talking about your personality style. God has wired each one of us differently to serve him in the way he wants us to serve him. Discover your personality style and it will help you better understand your God-given, specific purpose. My DVD “How To Speak To Weird People” comes with a personality style survey and gives descriptions of each style.
Heart
What are you passionate about? What keeps you up at night because of enthusiasm and excitement and what wakes you up early in the morning for the same reason? What do you love to talk about? If you knew you could not fail and money was not an issue, what would you do? These are just some questions to help you discover your passion…your heart!
Experiences
How have past experiences equipped you for what God wants you to do? Evaluate both your good and bad experiences, because God uses both. What physical experiences, emotional experiences, intellectual experiences, and spiritual experiences have you had that has shaped you into the person you are today?
If you noticed, those five areas spell the word NICHE. What is your niche? What are your natural abilities, inspirational gifts, character, heart, and experiences? Once you make a “careful exploration” of these five areas, you will have a better idea of “who you are and the work you have been given”. Then you will better understand what your God-given, specific purpose may be!
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Tommy Lanham is a dynamic, award-winning speaker who has been training individuals and organizations to reach their God-given potential for 25 years. With a unique blend of Ziglar motivation and ragamuffin faith, Tommy delivers powerful, life changing messages filled with humor, hope, and enthusiasm.
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