Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, Colossians 3:23

Purpose. The thing at the root of so many of our New Year’s Resolutions and goals. We think we might have been created for more, and we assume that purpose is buried somewhere at the end of a long list of things we can accomplish to find it: learn a new language, run a marathon, choose a new career, get out of debt.

Our purpose isn’t what we do, but how we do it.

When we give praise to our Creator, glorifying Him in all we do, we fulfill our purpose.

I have a friend who has one of the greatest gifts of hospitality I’ve ever known. Her dream is to open a retreat center where she can use her gift of hospitality to bless and minister to others. Because she’s not there yet doesn’t mean she’s not fulfilling her purpose. She uses her gift right where she is to love and serve those around her, seeking opportunities to go above and beyond in finding those whom she can bless. She is glorifying the Lord in her here and now. She is fulfilling her purpose.

My husband grew up farming and has a special fondness for it. But that’s not where God placed him to serve. Through a series of life events, God led him into the world of financial services. He also has a gift for ministering to other men and sharing the gospel. Is he not fulfilling his purpose if he’s not using his gift in fulltime ministry? Not at all.

God uses him daily to reach people he wouldn’t otherwise meet. His occupational expertise opens doors for him to glorify God. He’s fulfilling his purpose.

Having dreams and goals is a good thing. But we mustn’t lose sight of our purpose. It’s not what we do that fulfills our purpose. It’s how we do it.