Do you find yourself often questioning your actions and circumstances? Have you ever felt a strong push to follow a certain direction? Are you aware of God’s purpose for your life?
There have been many moments in my life and especially in challenging circumstances when I’ve asked myself
“Why did God put me in this situation?”,
“What is the point of doing what I’m doing?”
“Does my existence really matter?”
“What is the purpose of my life?”
I’m sure you have too, in your work, in your role in the family, in your hobbies, in your day-to-day routine.
We are often told that the purpose of any Christian’s life is to become like Christ so that we are prepared for our eternal life with the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit) in heaven. “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21
But what does it mean to become like Christ?
Becoming like Christ means to incorporate within ourselves Christ-like qualities, through our thoughts, words and actions. 1 John 2:6 says ” Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.” So if I call myself a Christian, I must become like Christ.
What are the Christ-like qualities?
These are qualities, that I believe, are equivalent to the fruits of the Holy Spirit as stated in Galatians 5:22 “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control.” Did Jesus represent these qualities? Yes very much!
Now till about recently, I assumed that for me to achieve these qualities, it was enough that I
- Pray regularly
- Fast weekly and during Lenten season
- Read the Bible
- Attend the weekly Church services
- Participate in Church sacraments
- Carry out charity
- Do some good works
in no particular order.
But I have now realized that though these activities are “channels” to become Christ-like, they lead to NOTHING if I don’t have God’s grace.
Because it is the grace of God that changes our heart and character and transforms us to be more like Christ. Merely participating in Christian practices makes us a good Christian but God’s abundant grace is what leads us to His purpose for our lives.
What is God’s grace
Now let’s take the reference of the parable of the ten virgins. (St Matthew 25:1-13).
I recently discovered that in this parable, the foolish virgins were considered foolish because despite being good human beings, they lacked the “preparedness” to receive “God’s grace“. That’s why they were not allowed through ‘the door of death’ to enter the promised eternal life aka ‘the grand wedding feast’.
Scary right?
So what is God’s grace?
God’s grace comprises His completely unwarranted, undeserved mercy and love for us. It’s a special gift that transforms the soul from just being a creation to becoming an active participant in the life of God. It is real and it is given to those who open their hearts and lives to receive it.
How to discover God’s purpose for us
We all receive God’s grace through the Holy Spirit, at our baptism and chrismation and this grace is renewed by our continual participation in the life of the Church.
But imagine if we chose to live without prayer, worship, the Holy Sacraments, fellowship with godly people? The gift of God’s grace will become like the safely buried coin in the parable of talents, one which has no value or purpose.
However, when we earnestly participate in the life of the Church, the Holy Spirit aids us to pursue everything for Christ’s sake. He helps us deny ourselves and follow Christ in our day-to-day lives.
He helps us accept all our circumstances with joy and bear all our problems in love, for Christ’s sake. He works within us to-
pray wholeheartedly,
fast with the intention to please Christ,
read the Bible to know more about Christ and discover His wisdom,
attend Church services to worship God
participate in the Holy Sacraments to experience His love
carry out charity unconditionally
do the good works without expecting anything in return
and live life with absolute humility and surrender to His will
This is how He helps us seek God’s grace.
When we persistently and earnestly call out for mercy (Kurielaison) in our Orthodox Church services and prayers, we are actually inviting the Holy Spirit to work within us and find grace.
And when we receive God’s grace with the help of the Holy Spirit, we naturally develop within us the qualities that make us like Christ. When we are more like Christ, we enter deeper into the mystery of God’s love. That’s how we are led to His purpose for our life on earth.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Have you had any instance in your life when you felt you were strongly motivated to follow a particular direction?
Like wanting to talk to a lonely person, forgiving a loved one even when he does not deserve it especially when you have been forgiven when you didn’t expect it, serving your family despite being criticized constantly, helping a stranger in distress, speaking against popular opinion?
I think these are some of the instances when you strongly feel the grace of God acting upon you. This is how you fulfil God’s purpose for your life or become a channel of His purpose for others.
Found this post useful? You might like these as well:
How is Christian love different
How prayer can positively influence our thoughts
Why is it important to attend Church
How to pursue a fulfilling life on a day to day basis
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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I can’t simply go without leaving a comment. This post is a great read.
I hope you can take the time to read my post as well: Fulfill the Purpose that God Has Given Us.
Thank you for reading my post. Will surely read your post as well. 🙂