“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 NIV

The words Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus are so critical to a purposeful life. We must give attention to how we live, day by day. We must determine to make the most of our time. How then, can we manage to live every day, not randomly, but on purpose?

We can take care of our mental, physical, and emotional aches and pains; our physical hunger and thirst; but do we pay attention to how we take care of our souls?  When we fill out lives with work, kids, spouses, social media, TV, distraction after distraction our busy lives become empty and without purpose despite being “busy” all day and all night with the glow of a screen nearby.  Then we end up asking, “What on Earth am I here for?” or “Is this all there is?”

There are four simple, practical tools that can help us find our true purpose and calling, Individually, they will be helpful, but success is likely to increase dramatically as all four tools are practiced together. To live on purpose, we focus on these four things every day.  They also build resilience and help us face “life happenings” when they hit the fan. If every day sounds impossible to start, set a goal, 3-4 times a week and build from there. It’s kinda like food for the soul.

1. Remember your vision. Vision breeds purpose, provides direction, and fuels passion. When we have a vision for what God wants for our lives in the new year, reminding ourselves daily of that vision will help us to live that day with greater intentionality and with our vision before us.

2. Review your goals. Goals help us monitor our progress, so if we review our goals daily, we can make sure that we are moving toward our vision, and not wasting our days.

3. Make a list. Take time to determine the focus of the day. Decide what is most important to accomplish that day. Some days it may simply be a phone call that needs to be made to accomplish the next goal that moves you closer to your vision being accomplished. Sometimes, it may even be to rest, or to relax and be refreshed in your body, soul, and spirit. Every day has value, and we should not waste them.

4. Most importantly, begin each day with prayer. Make sure you take a few minutes to pray over your vision, your goals, your list, and your day. Remember how Jesus said to abide in Him, because apart from Him, we can do nothing. We can’t live this kind of purposeful life, except by the Spirit of God. We should, of course, pray throughout each day, but we can’t do that if we do not start the day with some time in prayer. If you want to live a life of vision and purpose, God will help you do it. The starting point is prayer.

Take time to visit with the Creator of the universe, God to find your true purpose. If you want to take a deeper dive, check out the book, What on Earth Are we here for by Rick Warren. It’s an easy but nutrient rich read that will answer that burning question, “What on earth am I here for?”