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Q. Why is defining your purpose so important?

A. Our purpose answers the questions, “Why do you exist? What’s your life all about?” and “What are you here for?” The wrong answer to these questions will lead to a crisis.

Charles Barkley said in a 1994 television interview that the purpose of his life was to win an NBA title. There are three problems with this kind of thinking. First, he’s searching for glory, not meaning. Second, that purpose isn’t big enough to last a lifetime. Third, he can’t control the outcome. Get ready, Charles. The demons of disillusionment are coming your way.

Dan set a goal of ascending into top management of a medium-sized company. He achieved his goal, but along the way he was unfaithful to his wife, who divorced him. To say our purpose is to build a certain-sized company, to live in a particular house, to make a certain income, or to achieve a certain position represents a foolish notion because it isn’t within our complete control.

So what should the purpose of our lives be based on?

On the quality of our character and conduct, not on the quantity of our circumstances over which we have no or limited control. By God’s grace, we control the character qualities of integrity, our love for God and people, and humility. We control how we conduct ourselves in speech, kindness, and diligence. Surely these will contribute to the quality of our circumstances, but not with a one-to-one correlation.

Is the purpose of your life big enough? Is it a purpose you can control? Who gets the glory?

Patrick Morley, a former real estate executive, speaks to, and writes for, men.

Adapted from: The Seven Seasons of a Man's Life (Zondervan, 1995) by permission.

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Sovereign Lord, please enable me to align my goals with your purposes so that my life will bring You glory.

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