For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Michael Tinsley
Many churches get people upset by suggesting they find God's purpose for themselves in life and they get frustrated and disheartened for no reason because the answer is already there in the Bible and in ourselves through the Holy Spirit.
Being challenged by a pastor or a Sunday school teacher like that amounts to legalism and takes our focus off the Lord and onto ourselves to 'do' something.
Jesus already did everything by providing us the gift of eternal life in Heaven. All we have to do is listen to the indwelling Spirit (Jesus) and He will lead us where we need to go.
1 Thes 5:18 says to give thanks (pray) in all circumstances, for this is God's will (purpose) for you in Christ Jesus. Do what Jesus told us, love God and one another.
Steven Irenze
Very powerful examination of our purpose! Fulfilling this is what is needed and as we are all sinners, we all need to work on this every day!
James Kraft
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Lean not unto your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.
Christ has made us free, not to sin, but to not live in bondage either. Galatians 5:1. No man can tell another how to live outside of what the bible and the Holy Spirit leads us to do.
All of those chosen by God have different purposes that are known only to Him. God has not made us all alike, but with different attributes and desires of our hearts. God has the right to put us where He wants us to be used for His glory. It is His glory that we seek in all our ways.
What ever we find to do, we should do it all to the glory of God. Not perfect, as no one is perfect, but to the best of our ability that God has given us. Be thankful for what you have and the gift He has given you. You do your best, and God will do the rest. If it is a gift, then we have nothing to boast in.
God will promote us when He is ready to promote us. We are to work with his glory in mind and He will direct our paths. Do not be discouraged when we fall into trouble, because we will always have trouble in this life. But seek the Lord and His glory, and all things will be added unto you.
If we are a man after Gods own heart, like David, God will be with us in all our ways.
Michael Tinsley
You are right, James ! Honoring and praising God while using the gifts He provided us is how we should live our lives.
The purpose of our lives isn't a job or a position at all. The true purpose of everyone's lives should be (and is) Jesus Himself ! Our purpose is a person, not a calling. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, that is just the beginning. We are to allow Him to lead us in everything through His indwelling Holy Spirit. Turn it all over to Him and He will take care of it. This includes emotional distress, money problems, and all our personal possessions. Our 'things' were His gifts to us so they belong to Him anyway. He will also solve any problems we have and give up peace beyond understanding, Philippians 4:7, and abiding joy, John 15:9-11.
As we walk on God's path of grace, having turned all our cares and hopes over to Him, we can enjoy the abundant life He promised us in John 10:10, '"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'
When we put Jesus first we naturally do what James said above; worship, honor, glorify, and praise the Lord.