Purpose. In business, it’s the word that separates the innovators from the imitators. It’s what differentiates between top-performing businesses and average-producing businesses. (Bonus tip: Couple being purpose-driven with integrity over a decade in the same space, and you’ll outdo 90% of the competition in your market.)
So, in a world that seems to emphasize profitability and popularity, how do we ensure purpose stays the focus for our lives?
Here are my top 3 tips:
Pray.
“But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you My power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth” (Exodus 9:16).
Attempting to walk in purpose without consulting our Purpose-Giver is about as irresponsible as it gets. God gave us our purpose, so we must continually be growing in our personal relationship with Him to continue to grow in purpose.
One of the most important things I stress with the women I mentor is how prayer is a productive use of our time. Don’t make it an afterthought, but a daily non-negotiable.
Even if you’re just getting started in business or ministry, little is much in the hands of God. Prayer is our regular exercise of submitting our “little” to mighty God who can do more with our obedience than the world could ever do with our ability.
Prayer and purpose are not separate, but prayer is the catalyst and life-giver to purpose. Be disciplined in your prayer life, and your purpose will multiply by God’s power.
Evaluate.
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out” (Proverbs 20:5).
God did not create anyone without a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11), but not everyone taps into or maximizes their God-given purpose. We must consistently evaluate our purpose by asking a few simple questions:
- Where do I see God getting the most glory in my life?
- What activities do I do that serve others in a deep and impactful way?
- Is there anything I do more out of perceived obligation or comfort than purpose that I should stop doing?
If we will force ourselves to be honestly self-aware about the things we’re doing that are impactful and stop doing the things that are not, we will do a much better job at maximizing God’s purpose for our lives instead of evenly distributing mediocrity.
Improve.
“being confident in this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” – (Philippians 1:6).
Holiness is a lifetime process, not a one-time event. So as we grow in our walk with the Lord, our purposes in Him and our assignments from Him should also increase. (Just read through the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 as a reminder.)
So we stay confident in Christ, not in ourselves, that he will continue to mold us and shape us into who He has ultimately created us to be.
But that doesn’t just happen through prayer. It’s a combination of prayer + action. Each time we respond to God’s call in obedience, we show Him we are ready for more.
But the big will never happen if we aren’t faithful with the small. Use the small steps to improve. Use the small steps to grow in faithfulness. Watch in awe as God moves and does what only He can do.
And that has eternal reward no popularity contest or profit can compete with.
How do you ensure purpose stays your priority in your life?
Michelle Myers, Founder & Chief Instigator
Click here to learn more about Michelle’s mentorship small groups.
