The Principle of Purpose
Purpose is the reason you were created—it’s the bigger picture behind your life, showing you what truly matters and how you’re meant to make a difference.
Living Without This Principle
When you live without purpose, life feels aimless or overwhelming. You end up chasing approval, money, or status but still feel empty inside. You might work hard but wonder if it really matters. You compare yourself to others or second-guess your decisions, constantly shifting directions or settling for less. Without purpose, it’s easy to feel stuck in cycles of busyness without fulfillment, or passivity without growth.
What This Principle Unlocks
Purpose brings clarity, direction, and confidence. It answers the question, “Why am I here?” and gives meaning to your gifts, your story, and your struggles. When you understand your purpose, you stop wasting energy on things that don’t align with who you’re becoming. It simplifies your choices, sharpens your focus, and helps you show up with conviction. Purpose isn’t just about big goals—it’s about living each day with intention and impact.
Hebrew and Greek Root Words
- Hebrew: machashabah (מַחֲשָׁבָה) – plan, thought, or intention. Implies careful design or mental strategy.
- Greek: prothesis (πρόθεσις) – a setting forth or predetermined plan. Comes from pro (before) and tithemi (to place or set).
Bible Verses on Purpose
These verses reveal how God’s purpose is not accidental—it is personal, intentional, and powerful. They show how God’s purpose is working in and through our lives, even when we don’t see it. Purpose connects your daily decisions to a divine design.
- Romans 8:28: “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 (prothesis).”
- Ephesians 1:11: “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose (prothesis) of his will.”
- 2 Timothy 1:9: “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose (prothesis) and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”
- Genesis 50:20: “You intended (machashabah) to harm me, but God intended (machashabah) it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
- Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose (machashabah) that prevails.”
- Isaiah 46:10: “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose (machashabah) will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”
- Psalm 33:11: “But the plans (machashabah) of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”
Examples of People in the Bible Who Used This Principle
- Joseph – Though betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned, Joseph later told his brothers that what they meant for harm, God meant for good. He realized his pain was part of a larger purpose to preserve life (Genesis 50:20).
- Esther – Esther recognized she wasn’t placed in the palace by accident but was positioned to save her people. Her awareness of purpose gave her courage to risk everything (Esther 4:14).
- Paul – Once a persecutor, Paul devoted his life to preaching the gospel. His understanding of God’s purpose made him bold, focused, and unshakable in his mission (2 Timothy 1:9–11).
Tips for Using the Principle of Purpose
- Reflect on your life story—what you’ve been through often reveals what you’re meant to impact.
- Identify the values and causes that matter most to you—purpose flows where passion meets conviction.
- Write down your “why”—a personal mission statement that guides your decisions.
- Say no to distractions that don’t align with your purpose, even if they’re good things.
- Set goals that serve your long-term vision, not just short-term satisfaction.
- Don’t wait for perfect clarity—start moving, and let clarity come through action.
- Keep checking in—purpose doesn’t change, but how you live it out may evolve with time and growth.
Connected Principle: Calling
Calling is how purpose becomes personal. It’s the specific way your life reflects God’s greater plan—through your gifts, experiences, personality, and season of life. Purpose answers “Why was I created?” Calling answers “What am I here to do right now?” When you walk in your calling, you become the living expression of your purpose.
