PURPOSE IN CHRIST

Beirut, Lebanon

10, October 2024

Palig Dawidian

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Colossions 3:23

Consider this: you may know your nationality, race, and religion, but when faced with the deeper questions of identity and purpose, why do so many still struggle to respond? Why, despite all the information, knowledge, and science available today, does life seem to make less sense for so many? The answer lies in one simple truth: the less we speak about God in our homes, schools, and institutions, the more lost people become. Without God, the very foundation for understanding our identity and purpose crumbles.

Purpose extends beyond just a career or role; it is rooted in a deeper relationship with God. As we drift away from God, confusion begins to take root in people’s hearts and minds. As 1 Corinthians 14:33 reminds us, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” The further we distance ourselves from Him, the further we are from understanding our true purpose as His creation. This leads to a growing sense of uncertainty, with questions like "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose?" becoming more common, yet rarely answered in a meaningful way or even at all. This lack of clarity leaves many feeling empty, vulnerable to hopelessness, depression, and ultimately, to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Without this trust, confusion reigns, but how can you trust in Him if you do not truly know Him?

Every human heart has a deep need to love, to belong, and to search for higher meaning, a purpose that transcends the temporary nature of this world. This longing only confirms our innate desire for eternity. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart.” No material possession, no worldly success, can satisfy this longing. How is it that a generation blessed with unmatched privileges and comfort still struggles with discontentment and a lack of purpose? The answer is simple: without a relationship with God, even the greatest comforts cannot fill the void in our hearts.

To restore our connection with God, we must take personal responsibility, this means not only professing faith with words, repeating prayers, or visiting churches, but also living it out in our daily actions. As James 2:17 says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Only then can we find the peace, purpose, and sense of belonging that so many seek in vain.

"Nearly all that we call human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy."

C.S. Lewis captures this perfectly in Mere Christianity

To love, belong and transcend

As humans, we have an innate drive to love, belong, and transcend. Deep down, we sense that we are meant to be part of something greater, something that gives our lives true meaning. Yet, instead of pursuing genuine love, we often choose lust. Instead of seeking true belonging, we focus on pleasing others. And instead of transcending our limitations and connecting with the spirit, we settle for superficial titles and labels that keep us bound to the flesh.

We attempt to fill the void in our hearts by turning to everything except God because His truth doesn’t align with our limited understanding which is often shaped by worldly influences. We search for acceptance, identity, and purpose in all the wrong places: temporary feelings, fleeting opinions, social connections, or popular trends. In doing so, we reject the essence of our creation, our deeper, God-given purpose.

What else can one expect from a worldview that reduces human life to a mere chemical accident other than a sense of lack and hopelessness? How can we expect to live a life of true fulfillment when our belief system is built on a lack of purpose? This rejection of God as the true source of hope reflects how far society has drifted or been "taught" to drift from the original design where God is at the center of everything. Naturally, this leaves us empty and unsatisfied because we were never meant to navigate life on our own. Yet, even in this state, we find reasons to blame God!

Walking the Walk

To engage with His Word is to embrace the biblical truths that declare the value of your life. This engagement is an invitation to walk in purpose, love, and community. It reminds us that our purpose is not merely a role or a career; it is rooted in our identity as children of God. Walking in the footsteps of Jesus, embodying His teachings and example, striving to reflect His love in all aspects of life. We are called to bear the fruits of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." These attributes not only transform our relationships but also have the power to impact the world around us.

Biblical love is an active expression of our faith a love that binds us together in community. As it says in 1 John 4:7 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." In this community, we discover a profound sense of belongingness, where we support and uplift one another. Hebrews 10:24-25encourages us

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another." Ultimately, knowing God leads us to a life of transcendence a journey toward deeper faith and understanding. This journey elevates our existence beyond the ordinary, connecting us to the divine purpose that God has for each of us.

Let us embrace this calling with open hearts, walking in love, community, and the light of His truth. Together, we can fulfill our divine purpose and reflect His love in a world that desperately needs it.

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?"

Matthew 16:26