At some point in life, everyone asks the question: Why am I here? It does not matter how successful a person becomes, how much wealth they accumulate, or how far they travel. Deep inside the human heart, there is always a longing for purpose. We want to know that our lives count for something greater than ourselves.
The Bible gives us a clear answer. Isaiah 43:7 says, “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.” According to Scripture, we were not created by accident or chance. We were created for the glory of God. That is our foundation, and everything else flows from it.
Our existence is intentional. Our purpose is eternal. God designed us to live in a way that reflects HIS greatness. This means living a life of worship, using the gifts HE placed inside of us, walking in relationship with HIM, honoring HIM with our choices, operating in dominion, living in community, and one day entering eternity with HIM. Let’s explore what this looks like and how we can walk in the purpose for which we were created.
God’s Purpose in Creating Us
Isaiah 43:7 makes it plain that God created us for HIS glory. That means the center of our existence is not ourselves but HIM. We live in a world that constantly pushes the idea that life is all about self-fulfillment and personal happiness. Yet when we live only for ourselves, we eventually feel empty because we were never designed to be the center of our own lives.
To glorify God means to reflect HIS character and reveal HIS greatness in the way we live. Just as the sun reflects light onto the earth, we are meant to reflect God’s light into the world. We glorify HIM through our words, our actions, our attitudes, and even the way we handle trials.
Living for self leads to frustration, pride, and emptiness. Living for God’s glory brings peace, joy, and eternal significance. Every decision we make becomes an opportunity to either magnify ourselves or magnify HIM. When we choose to live for HIS glory, we discover the true reason we were created.
God Has Placed Gifts and Talents Within Us
God did not just create us in HIS image. HE also placed unique gifts, talents, and abilities within us that reflect HIS creativity. Every person has something valuable to contribute to the Kingdom of God. These gifts are not meant to be hidden or wasted. They are meant to be developed and used for HIS glory.
Think about how diverse the gifts of God are. Some are called to lead, some to teach, some to encourage, some to create art or music, some to organize and build, and others to minister through compassion and service. Whatever the gift may be, it was given so that God’s Kingdom could advance and others could be blessed.
The Bible tells us that we are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). That means your talents are not an accident. They were placed in you by design. The more we sharpen these gifts and dedicate them to God, the more glory HE receives through our lives.
The Call to Relationship with God
Before we can use our gifts in the right way, we must first know the Giver. It is possible to be talented yet disconnected from God. True purpose begins with relationships. Jesus said in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” Salvation is the foundation of living out our God-given calling.
Developing a relationship with God means more than just knowing about HIM. It means walking with HIM daily through prayer, reading HIS Word, and obeying HIS commands. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it remains connected to the vine, we cannot glorify God unless we remain connected to HIM.
Apart from HIS Spirit working in us, we will eventually misuse our gifts or grow weary trying to live in our own strength. But when we abide in HIM, HIS life flows through us. Our gifts flourish. Our hearts are transformed. And everything we do points back to HIS glory.
Honoring God with Our Lifestyle
Glorifying God is not just about what we say with our mouths. It is also about how we live when no one else is watching. Honor is demonstrated through obedience, gratitude, and reverence.
The Bible gives us examples of men like Daniel and Joseph who honored God even in difficult circumstances. Daniel refused to defile himself with the king’s food and remained faithful in prayer, even when it meant facing the lion’s den. Joseph resisted temptation in Potiphar’s house and chose integrity over compromise, even though it cost him years in prison.
For us today, honoring God might look like choosing honesty in a culture that normalizes deception. It could mean practicing humility when pride is celebrated, living generously when selfishness is common, or walking in holiness when temptation is everywhere. Our lifestyle is a testimony. When people see the difference in us, it reflects the God we serve.
Using Our Gifts for Good, Not Evil
Every gift God gives us can be used for good or twisted for evil. The enemy will always try to present opportunities to misuse what God has given. We must be vigilant not to fall into that trap.
Samson is a powerful example of this. God gave him supernatural strength to deliver Israel, but Samson often used his gift for personal gain and selfish pursuits. It was only when he surrendered back to God that his strength fulfilled its true purpose.
The same principle applies today. A person with the gift of music can use it to glorify God or to promote darkness. Someone with influence can lead people closer to Christ or lead them astray. Leadership, creativity, intelligence, and charisma can either build up or tear down. The choice belongs to us. When we yield our gifts to God, they bring life and blessing. When we misuse them, they can cause harm.
The encouragement here is simple. Choose God’s way. Resist the enemy’s trap. Walk in the victory that comes from using your gifts for good.
Operating in Dominion with Our Gifts
In Genesis 1:28, God commanded humanity to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. This was not a command to dominate others but a call to operate in godly dominion. Dominion means stewardship, responsibility, and influence that reflects God’s heart.
Our gifts are tools to carry out that calling. When a believer uses their talents in alignment with God’s will, they bring solutions to problems, healing to the broken, and progress to the world around them. Teachers raise up the next generation. Doctors and nurses bring healing. Inventors create resources that improve life. Pastors and leaders shepherd souls. All of this is a form of godly dominion.
Operating in dominion requires confidence. Not in ourselves, but in the One who created us. We are not here by chance. We were designed to make an impact. When we recognize this truth and step boldly into our calling, God’s glory is revealed through us.
Created for Community, Not Isolation
God never intended for us to live this life alone. The Bible describes the Church as the body of Christ, with many members but one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:12–27). Just as a body needs all its parts to function, we need each other to fulfill God’s mission.
Isolation is dangerous. When we try to operate alone, we risk burnout, discouragement, and pride. But when we join together with other believers, we strengthen one another, encourage one another, and multiply our impact.
God designed community so that our gifts would complement each other. One person may plant the seed, another may water it, but God gives the increase. Working as a team allows the Church to shine brighter and reveal God’s glory more fully than any of us could alone.
Eternal Perspective: Our Final Destination
Our mission on earth will one day come to an end, but our destiny does not. Jesus told His disciples in John 14:2–3 that HE was going to prepare a place for them, and that HE would return to bring them home. That promise still stands for us today.
Life on Earth is temporary. It is a training ground for eternal fellowship with God. When we live with an eternal perspective, we make wiser choices. We invest in things that matter forever rather than things that fade away.
This hope gives us the strength to keep going when life gets hard. We know that one day, when we finish our race, we will be with God forever. That is the ultimate fulfillment of our purpose. We were created for HIS glory here on earth, and we will continue to glorify HIM for all eternity.
To recap, we were created for God’s glory. HE placed gifts and talents within us, called us into relationship with Himself, and asked us to honor HIM with our lifestyle. HE gave us the responsibility to operate in dominion, to live in community, and to keep our eyes fixed on eternity.
You were created on purpose and for a purpose. Your life matters to God. Every gift you have and every choice you make can bring HIM glory. Do not waste the time you have been given. Develop your gifts. Walk closely with the Lord. Live in a way that points others to HIM.
Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through HIM.” That is the essence of why you were created. Shine HIS light. Reflect HIS glory. And one day, you will rejoice in HIS presence forever.
By
G. Edward Wyche