Whether it’s your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual life, you’ll want to understand your spiritual purpose. Learn some exciting ways to discover your spiritual purpose with the tips in this article!
While knowing your spiritual calling is crucial to fulfilling it, you’ll want to have a solid grasp on your spiritual purpose also. Your spiritual purpose is your “why,” while your spiritual calling is your “what.”
Don’t get me wrong; you need to know your spiritual calling (what you were called to do), but when you feel discouraged or out of touch with the meaning of your life, you’ll need to embrace your spiritual purpose (why you were called).
Therefore, discovering your spiritual purpose will bring you new insight and help you fulfill your higher calling – your spiritual role in life. You can try different things to determine what this purpose is, but ultimately, God has the answer for you!
Do what the Lord wants, and He will give you your heart’s desire. – Psalm 37:4 (CEV)
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What is Your Spiritual Purpose?
Your spiritual calling is what God wants you to do with your life. Your spiritual purpose is the reason you were called to do it.
An example of a spiritual purpose can be seen if you think about the role of a church leader. Their calling is to lead; their purpose is the reason they became a leader.
Ask yourself why you were called. In other words, why should you continue to do what you were called to do?
There’s a reason that you were called to do that with which you are purposefully doing. That reason is your spiritual purpose! Keep your spiritual purpose fresh in your mind, as you will want to understand it completely.
Your spiritual calling is not the same as your spiritual purpose, but they are very similar. A calling sets you apart from others by giving your life new meaning, a certain role to fulfill.
Discovering my spiritual purpose was not the easiest thing to do, but I determined my purpose was to help people, to bring them to Christ, and to spread the Gospel. I do this through my writing, which is my calling.
If you are wondering what your spiritual purpose is, think about your heart’s deepest desire, what you value as the most sacred virtue, and what you enjoy doing the most. When you determine the meaning of your life, your spiritual purpose will be clear.
When you are in doubt of your spiritual purpose or question your motivation, turn to the Lord. He will lovingly guide you on what to do, when to act, and how to fulfill your calling.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Why Your Spiritual Purpose is Important
While you don’t always need to know the “why” when it comes to your spiritual calling, you will want to have complete knowledge. You’ll want to know and understand your spiritual purpose completely.
Understanding your spiritual purpose can give you the right motivation to follow or continue following your calling.
When you get discouraged, when things aren’t going the way they should, or when you forget why you have been called, your spiritual purpose can point you in the right direction.
Your spiritual purpose can help you determine how to be the best version of yourself. Fully grasping your spiritual purpose can make living out “your calling” much easier, as you will know why you are doing the things you do.
Your spiritual purpose is the reason your calling gives your life meaning; it’s what gets you up in the morning and keeps you going. Your actions and your decisions are all influenced by your purpose.
Many people go through life not following their spiritual calling and not knowing what their spiritual purpose is. Life can feel bleak, pointless, and hopeless from time to time for these people because they lack clarity, direction, focus, and motivation.
Clarify the meaning of your life, know that things happen for a reason, and connect better with others by understanding your spiritual purpose.
You will find the greatest rewards by embracing your spiritual purpose. It will keep you going!
I know I need to understand why I should be writing when I feel discouraged and want to give up! Knowing what God wants from me helps me stay motivated!
We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves Him. They are the ones God has chosen for His purpose. – Romans 8:28 (CEV)
How to Discover Your Spiritual Purpose
#1. Meditate.
Meditation is a great way to think about what the Lord is calling you to do and why! Spend some quiet time alone – a time when you won’t be disturbed.
Contemplate the many questions and thoughts you have brewing in your mind to get the most out of this time. There are some questions in the “resources” section of this article that may help!
The Meditation Book (2021) by Blair Abee might be helpful if you are new to meditation. This book is essential for beginners, as it helps you find peace and improve your mental health!
#2. Read and Study the Bible.
Learn more about the benefits of Bible study, how to get started with Bible studies, and different Bible study methods in our other faith articles. We encourage you to build your relationship with God through prayer and Bible study, as this is the best way to let Him lead your life.
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. – Joshua 1:8 (NLT)
#3. Pray to God.
Speaking to God through prayer is the best way to see what He wants you to do in your life and why! While you won’t always understand His ways or reasons for doing things, you can follow His direction in your life and know that His way is the better way.
Don’t worry about anything but pray about everything. With thankful hearts, offer up your prayers and requests to God. – Philippians 4:6 (CEV)
#4. Do an Analysis.
It’s a smart idea to analyze your spiritual goals to see what motivates you spiritually. What keeps you going? What do you look forward to the most? Answering these questions should help you in determining what your spiritual purpose is.
We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go. – Proverbs 16:9 (CEV)
#5. Give Back.
Often, when we help others, we discover all sorts of things about ourselves. If you have forgotten why you do the things you do, consider volunteer work. It can be a game-changer!
Did you know that frequently when we do things for others, we are the ones who get more out of the experience? It sounds selfish, and kind of is, but who wants to argue with awesome benefits?
That’s right. With volunteerism, you not only get a number of benefits, but you also can discover why you originally decided to follow your spiritual calling. It will all start to make sense when you reap the benefits of volunteer work; it may sound confusing but trust me. It’ll all add up!!
Plus, who doesn’t love doing good for others? It’s so beneficial in so many ways! Imagine getting put in a better mood, loving life itself, and having health benefits from giving back!
Additionally, you will be doing what the Lord has called you to do in some capacity. Jesus wants us to share our gifts and talents with others, so what are you waiting for?
And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. – Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)
#6. Go on a Mission Trip.
What better way to be inspired and remember your spiritual calling than to go on a mission trip? It will be a life-changing experience and may open your eyes to new possibilities!
#7. Journal.
Have you ever considered doing some freewriting? That is when you just put pen to paper and write whatever is on your heart. You will discover all sorts of things when you give this a try!
#8. Develop Your Spiritual Talents.
If you know you are a gifted singer in your church’s choir, why not work on that talent? You could take voice lessons to embrace this gift and share this talent further!
#9. Listen to Sermons.
Inspiration can truly hit you when you listen to sermons. Preachers or spiritual leaders are often called to say what they do, and therefore, their words come straight from Heaven!
If you are feeling lost or out of touch with your spiritual calling, wondering why you are following a particular dream, what better way to rediscover your mission than to listen to an inspiring sermon? You’ll never know how someone’s words can reach you unless you listen to them!
#10. Do Your Research.
Find a website (hint: Sharing Life and Love) or podcast that motivates you. Google a topic that relates to your spiritual calling and let the Lord guide you as you discover your spiritual purpose.
#11. Ask for Signs from God.
Sometimes, we don’t know what to say when we pray. We are at a loss for words. If you are on a mission to discover your spiritual purpose, ask God to lead you to the signs you need to see.
Trust that your Father will point you in the direction you need to go.
I often pray about my day and what direction God wants me to go, especially when I am feeling lost or easily sidetracked.
God will direct you in the way He wants you to go; you just have to know how to look for the signs that He is directing you to. Flip through the Bible, read a good book, or listen to music. God has frequently given me signs in the most unusual ways!
Keep an open mind and pray continuously, and He will lead you onto the right path. If you look for them, the signs from God will show up!
Don’t worry about anything but pray about everything. – Philippians 4:6a (CEV)
#12. Read Christian Books.
I’ve found that with the right Christian books, I can find meaning in meaningless situations. I better understand things when I hear the Lord’s voice through the words of someone else.
There is no better book than the Bible, however. If you aren’t following a Bible reading plan or reading the Bible on a regular basis, why not give it a try?
Read something that speaks to you in your situation or that relates to your spiritual calling. You will better learn what your spiritual purpose is if you do it that way.
The Word of God is all inspired by Him, and the words can truly reach you when you are searching for meaning or inspiration. Spend some time in the Psalms or Proverbs!
Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (CEV)
#13. Go on Retreats.
Many churches offer retreats for men and women. These retreats can have special speakers and are typically very inspiring. You can connect with others and find the motivation to keep going by going on a retreat!
#14. Embrace Nature.
Many people find nature to be especially enlightening. You might reconnect with God in the woods or develop a new passion by reading a book in a meadow. Get creative!
#15. Talk to a Spiritual Mentor.
If you don’t have a spiritual mentor, it’s a smart idea to get one. You can find one online or through your church; it’s not a relationship built overnight, but you can make it a success!
#16. Develop New Passions.
The more time you spend embracing new things, the more chances you have to discover what truly drew you to your spiritual calling. In other words, new passions may bring light to your spiritual purpose.
#17. Put the Pieces Together.
There will always be times when you need to play detective. Put all the pieces of the puzzle together to determine what works and what doesn’t. How does it all fit together?
Look at what is working for you, what skills you have mastered, what goals you have chased, and what talents you have always dreamed of having.
When you put it all together, you will soon discover what your spiritual purpose really is. It will all make sense, and you’ll be glad that you know what that is.
#18. Listen to God.
Sometimes, we just need to do our best to listen. That can take a lot of patience; it can mean a lot of time in silence, but it can also mean time spent with the Lord – what you long for.
In those times when we want to see a flash of lightning of some grand sign from God, He is often there. We are just too busy to hear Him talking to us. Listen carefully.
Now then, my children, listen to Me; blessed are those who keep My ways. – Proverbs 8:32 (NIV)
#19. Embrace New Opportunities.
God will likely put things in your path that you don’t expect. He will bring people into your life, and new opportunities will arise.
If you want to embrace the reason behind your spiritual calling, be sure to be ready for anything God throws your way because His actions are not by accident. He does everything for a reason! Your spiritual purpose will become clear if you embrace new things!
#20. Consider Christian Counseling.
Counseling does not mean that you are unbalanced. Often, there are qualified Christian counselors out there that can help you make important decisions and discover your spiritual purpose!
You might need to screen a few of them until you find the right fit, but there is nothing wrong with seeing a spiritual counselor; they can help you get on the right track with the best motivation!
#21. Keep an Open Mind.
Often, we let biases and preformed opinions restrict us from seeing the whole picture. If you want to truly discover your spiritual purpose, you need to be open-minded.
Stick to your beliefs and values and don’t allow anyone to steer you off course, but you must be open-minded if you are to allow the Holy Spirit to lead you to the reason you have your spiritual calling!
#22. Ask Friends and Family.
Talking to your “tribe” – the family members and friends that you trust the most can greatly help you embrace your spiritual purpose. Ask them why you told them you went after your calling.
They may have insight that you have not considered before. Everyone has their own perspective, so it’s a smart idea to bounce ideas off other people.
You might even find an enlightening conversation about your spiritual purpose if you talk to a stranger. Often, the people who don’t know us are the most willing to offer their opinion about our lives.
#23. Practice Mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment rather than focusing on the past or future. It’s all about not worrying about what happened or what is about to happen.
Learn more about mindfulness and the power it has in bringing you peace of mind.
We are meant to be present for life and not overly occupied with the afterlife. If we get too focused on the future, we miss what’s right in front of us.
#24. Expect the Unexpected.
Many opportunities are unexpected, and we, therefore, miss them. We just don’t recognize they are signs from God until they have already passed us by.
Try to look for the unexpected and when things don’t go as planned, embrace the newness that has been brought into your life.
#25. Explore Your Artistic Side.
Pull paint and a canvas out to embrace your artistic talents. You might even find motivation by listening to Christian music or having a dance party by yourself!
Examples of Spiritual Purpose
A missionary might be led to serve because of the love of helping people. I can definitely relate to that, as I love helping people but often don’t know how to serve my spiritual purpose!
A teacher might love to instruct others because of his or her love for sharing the knowledge they’ve acquired in life. Having that knowledge to share can be a real motivator.
A church leader might have been called to lead because of his or her talents. Those talents are the great gifts God has blessed them with so that they can best serve others.
In the Bible, we see examples of spiritual purpose, as given by God.
The Lord gave me this message:
“I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:4-5 (NLT)
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.
And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. – Hebrews 11:8-9 (NLT)
Ruth is another grand example of someone on a mission from Moab to Bethlehem with her mother-in-law, Naomi. She followed the path to the Lord in the land of Judah and was richly rewarded for her bravery, strength, and humility through her marriage with Boaz.
Spiritual Purpose Resources
If you’ve tried some of the suggestions in this article and are still at a loss when it comes to your spiritual purpose, you could try taking a Spiritual Purpose Quiz. There are many other available online quizzes, but this one was free and simple.
You might also ask yourself some reflective questions to determine what your spiritual purpose is.
- What motivates you to follow your spiritual calling?
- How did you originally know what your spiritual calling was?
- Do you believe your spiritual calling happened for a reason?
- What key points let you know that you were meant to do your spiritual calling?
- How does following your calling help you be a better Christian?
- What do you believe your spiritual purpose is?
- How can you use your spiritual purpose to connect with others?
- What is the best way for you to live out your spiritual purpose?
As you answer those questions or fill in the blanks where you feel you are lacking, things should become clearer. You might also want to speak to one of your church’s leaders for further insight and resources to find the right spiritual purpose and calling for your life.
Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him. – Romans 12:2 (CEV)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fulfill your spiritual purpose?
You can fulfill your spiritual purpose by listening to God, THE Higher Power, looking at the deeper meaning of your spiritual path, and talking to your tribe for a sense of connection to your life’s purpose. Enjoy the spiritual purpose that you are called to, as you only live this life once.
What is the purpose of my life spiritually?
The spiritual aspect of the human experience does not come naturally to everyone. Our true nature tends to bring our life experience forward, whether we want it there or not. To learn about the spiritual experience you are meant to fulfill, follow the suggestions in this article!
How do you develop your spiritual purpose?
To develop your spiritual side, you should embrace the spiritual journey you are on. A spiritual teacher can help you develop the right spiritual practices you need to fulfill your sense of purpose. Set spiritual goals that align with your spiritual purpose to become your best self.
What is the goal of a spiritual life?
The goal of one’s spiritual life is what that person desires. When you establish the spiritual goals for your life, you will likely point to your spiritual calling or the goal of your spiritual life. Usually, one’s ambition is to enter the Kingdom of Heaven to be with our Lord, Christ Jesus.
What is a higher purpose?
A higher purpose is often the same thing as one’s calling. What you are called to do in the spiritual world deeply depends on what God has tasked you to do in this life. If you were meant to be a preacher, you would likely be good at public speaking or leading others with sermons.
Conclusion
As you go through these exciting ways to discover your spiritual purpose, you should know that finding your calling is very important. It’s all about who you are as an individual.
Be sure to follow the unique steps or events that take you on the journey to find your calling. Then, you can dive into the truth behind your calling – your spiritual purpose. That is the reason behind your spirituality.
As you realize what your soul was meant to do, express gratitude to God for giving you the compassion and love to find and follow your spiritual purpose. Emotions may run wild; challenges may come forward; however, you can do this. Have faith in your abilities!
What is your spiritual purpose? Have you discovered your divine calling? Tell us all about it in the comments! We’d love to hear from you!
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
