Have you ever wondered, “Why am I here?” or “What is my purpose?” Most of us grapple with these questions at some point in life.
As a Christian, you can turn to Scripture for perspective on why God put you on this planet and what he wants from you during your life here on earth.
In this post, I’ll explore what the Bible reveals about humanity’s purpose and calling.
Discover the reason why God created you and your assignment in your time on earth.
God Created Humans for a Relationship with Himself
The most fundamental purpose God created people is relationship. Our Creator wants you to enjoy an intimate friendship with him, rooted in love.
Jesus said:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’.”
Luke 10:27 (NIV)
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Knowing God personally and walking closely with him should be the absolute priority around which you order your days.
Out of this flows every other aspect of your purpose. You have the astounding privilege of friendship with the God of the universe!
The Bible says you can come boldly into his presence, commune with him, experience His unconditional love, find refuge in tough times, and so much more through Christ.
Your relationship with God sets everything else in motion.
Reflect God’s Character
The creation narrative highlights another vital aspect of your purpose here on earth:
“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them…”
Genesis 1:27 (NLT)
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The fact that you’re created in God’s image gives you special dignity and significance.
You are called to reflect his beauty, goodness, creativity, and wise leadership in the world. This will point unbelievers to Christ Jesus our Savior.
As a believer, you have the Holy Spirit’s help to grow in godly virtues that radiate God’s glory through your life.
Your character and contributions should align with your identity as royalty in God’s kingdom.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
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Steward God’s World under Christ’s Lordship
In Genesis 1 and Psalm 8, we also discover:
“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Genesis 1:28 (NIV)
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Humans have the privilege of governing God’s creation in a way that’s consistent with Jesus’ loving, just leadership.
Through environmental care, social reform, cultural goods, and more, you’ll spread Christ’s flourishing rule to every sphere.
Reshaping society to run on biblical values will allow you to live out this purpose as you expand God’s kingdom.
Grow in Christlike Virtue
In addition to broader cultural influence, you have an interior goal – to take on the character of Christ himself:
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
Romans 8:29 (NIV)
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Through Spirit-led transformation, you’ll increasingly adopt Jesus’ righteousness, perspectives, wisdom, humility, values, thoughts, and behavior.
You will also display the fruit his Spirit produces in your life.
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
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While on earth, one key intention God has is for you to live out the new identity you received when you gave your life to Christ.
“And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)
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Your life’s journey involves following Jesus’ lead as He changes you from the inside out.
Play A Part in Jesus’ Mission
Before returning to heaven, Jesus commanded His followers:
“19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
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As a Christian, you have an important part to play in His mission to redeem people from sin and bring them into God’s family.
You have the joy of pointing friends, neighbors, colleagues, and others to a new life through faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Live Entirely for God’s Glory
Finally, Scripture reveals that God created humanity mainly for His glory. The famed Westminster Shorter Catechism captured it perfectly in stating:
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”
You exist first and foremost to magnify God’s goodness, greatness, and grace through every facet of your life – family, church, politics, education, business, arts, and entertainment.
As human beings made in His image, we must show good works that glorify our Father.
May you echo the psalmist in declaring,
“Not to us O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 115:1 (NIV)
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Key Takeaways on Your Purpose In Life
- To enjoy an intimate relationship with God.
- To reflect God’s character in His image.
- To join in Jesus’ mission of redemption.
- To steward the world under Christ’s lordship.
- To grow in godly virtues through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- To live for the glory of God
May this overview of the Bible’s teaching about humanity’s purpose provide helpful direction and inspiration as you seek to align your life around God’s eternal purposes!
Your meaning stems from Christ, so stay close to Him.
FAQs About Finding Your Purpose
Q. What is the main reason God created human beings?
A. God created people first and foremost for an intimate relationship with himself. He desires that humanity would know, love, and worship Him above all else. This loving communion provides meaning to life.
Q. What is our mission or calling according to the Bible?
A. The Bible reveals that humanity is called to reflect God’s image, join Jesus in his mission to redeem the world from sin, steward creation under God’s authority, grow in Christlike virtues, and live entirely for His glory in all areas of life.
Q. What are specific ways we carry out God’s purposes?
A. We glorify God by praising him, proclaiming his goodness, treasuring his Word, loving fellow Christians, producing spiritual fruit, using gifts to serve, bringing order/beauty/justice to society, innovating culturally, caring for creation, and proclaiming the gospel.
Q. How can I know God’s personal plan for my life?
A. By studying Scripture, joining a Christian community, listening for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, prayer, and looking at your passions and abilities.
This will help you to gain increasing clarity on the special ways God has shaped you to fulfill his purposes during your time on earth. Ask God for wisdom along the journey.
