There are many places that we look to find purpose in our life. Often this purpose is found in our career. Teaching is not an exception to that tendency. It might even be a career that is often chosen specifically to provide purpose and meaning. Educating the future generation, making a difference in the lives of our students and watching kids come alive in our classrooms are often the results that drive us to continue doing what we do. These are the things that make us feel that we have a purpose.

The danger in placing our purpose in the career that we choose is that once that career is no longer a part of our lives, we often feel that we no longer have a purpose. I have seen this happen many times.

Purpose often seems to be provided through our own personal children. When they grow up and leave our home, it often feels that our purpose walked out the door with them. Purpose is also often found in our relationships until those relationships are no longer part of who we are and then we once again feel that we have lost purpose. Purpose is found in many personal pursuits but each of these pursuits has an end.

I would encourage you to consider seeking purpose elsewhere. No, I am not challenging you to change careers or have more children or add more items to your already busy schedule. I am encouraging to see your purpose through a faith in Christ Jesus- the only purpose that will remain with you irregardless of what life might bring your way or where life may take you. When purpose is found in the Maker of the Universe, everything else that we do in life fits into that purpose. Whatever opportunities come our way will provide a way to fulfill our purpose but these opportunities do not define our purpose. The God of Heaven does that.

Michael W. Smith says it well in his song “Build My Life”.

“I will build my life upon Your love.
It is a firm foundation.”

Instead of building our lives on our own personal achievements and goals, rather we should be building on the firm foundation of our salvation through Jesus and the value and purpose that immediately comes with that gift. The reality is that true purpose only comes through salvation

Take some time today to re-evaluate your purpose. What drives you? What motivates you? What defines you? Consider taking the challenge of choosing God and His mission as that foundation that all other parts of life will build upon.

Romans 8:28(NIV)-  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”