There’s no one I know currently who hasn’t asked this question, even a child has. It’s a thought that comes naturally to the human mind, seeking answers, and the answers we give can either limit or brighten the light that beams through us.
The question? Who is man? And for what purpose does he exist?
These are the very questions that shape our reality and define the boundaries of our civilization. Everyone must cross this line at some point in their lives. The answer to these questions is one of the greatest needs of the human mind.
This search for answers profoundly influences our lives, which can either confine us or guide us toward a brighter future, allowing our true purpose to illuminate our path. Without these answers, we may feel lost and struggling to understand who we are and why we are here. As Dr. Myles Munroe wisely said, “When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable,” reminding us that without knowing our true selves, we cannot fully grasp our purpose.
I’ve often found that our true identity is always the path to discovering our purpose, and our purpose is what determines our relevance to humanity and all of creation.
Who Am I?
The story of King David in the Bible is one worth considering. In Psalms 8:4, he asked, “Who am I that You are mindful of me?” What’s fascinating about this is that the question wasn’t coming from just an ordinary man but from a King. It’s not expected for a king to have concerns about identity and purpose. Being a King was already a big responsibility, but here we see that David wasn’t ready to define himself by his status or success. Instead, he was more interested in the opinion of the One who created him.
We need to know who we are to understand our purpose in life. Many people look for their identity in their jobs, their relationships, or the demands of society. But the more profound truth is that God is the only one who can show us who we are. When we look to God, we start to see ourselves the way He does, just like David did. We understand that we are not accidents or creations living for no reason. We are God’s children. He made us with a purpose and plan.
Why Do I Exist?
A person’s purpose is intricately tied to their identity. The better we understand who we are from God’s perspective, the better we navigate our existence. Many individuals strive to achieve society’s goals and objectives, only to find something missing upon reaching them. This is because worldly success does not equate to living a purposeful life.
So, purpose in its primal sense is all about doing that one thing for which you were created, that unique calling that was assigned to you even before you were born. Knowing this purpose is important as it defines how people live and what they do in their daily lives. Purpose creates a narrative for life; without understanding that narrative, a person may feel lost or stagnant in their day-to-day lives.
You may wake up early, be productive, do some things, get a promotion, and be appreciated, but you still lack that sense of direction. This is why knowing your why is crucial. This is not about what is done but why it is done. If you are in a state of disconnection with your divinely assigned mission, then everything seems to be out of whack.
This may lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and restlessness, and you may start asking yourself why you are doing this. However, dozing off and getting on with life will only lead to frustration until you find your true calling. This is why you need to look at life from God’s perspective. You begin to understand that you were made to help not only yourself but others, too. Unfortunately, life is not a provision of happiness and success. If you live according to the purpose of God, you will always have a sense of peace in your heart.
1. Know God
Prayer has to be the starting point for achieving clarity. Make sure to devote time to praying and speaking to God. Like David, be willing to ask the difficult questions: “Who am I, Lord? What is my purpose?” Receiving a direct answer through prayer and the word of God is the truest form of discovering who we are. Take the bold step, God is always willing to reveal things like this to us.
2. What do you have in your hands?
Now, consider what you like doing most. What you think has been entrusted to you as a gift. These are occasionally signs of your purpose. They teach that God has given you everything you need to do what you were created for, but you must first receive those gifts.
3. What’s your history?
It is important because your work has most likely influenced your narrative in some way. Your past is utterly far from being coincidental. It is not the work of the devil, but it is somewhat predestined to be part of your life plan as created by God. Think of how you think your life experiences may be directing you to your purpose and connect the dots.
4. Find Community
Since we cannot see things for ourselves, we need people to guide us. It’s important to have other people in your life who know your strengths and weaknesses and can remind you of the former when the latter seems dominant. In the Word of God, Jesus said that He will confirm your calling through others, so trust the Holy Spirit in other people to also guide and counsel you.
5. Step Out in Faith
Don’t hold back once you start to understand you’re a new creation with a mission. Finding our purpose is not about finding knowledge but about responsibility. Relinquish it to God as you make your way forward.
