Embracing My Purpose

Today's teenagers grapple with profound questions about their purpose, such as "Why am I here?" or "What am I called to do?" This innate longing to comprehend purpose is universal. While the Westminster Shorter Catechism posits that humanity's chief end is to glorify and enjoy God forever, the unique expressions of "glorifying" and "enjoying" vary for each individual. This exploration of purpose, facilitated through Mission, Church, and Justice perspectives, utilizes Darkroom Faith videos to stimulate deeper understanding and conversation.

Throughout history, individuals of all backgrounds have been called by God to participate in his divine plan, often in roles they may not perceive themselves as suited for. Following Jesus's resurrection, his disciples were tasked with continuing his mission of making disciples and serving others in his name, echoing Jesus's own commission to them. This invitation to partnership with Christ in advancing God's kingdom extends to every believer, emphasizing that being connected to Christ means being on mission with him.

A sense of justice comes with being human. We know about justice, and we want it. And yet, it often seems to slip through our fingers. Because we’re created in the image of God, we’re created with a sense of right and wrong, with a longing for good, for fairness, for righteousness. Our innate desire for justice reflects God’s design and his desire.

The church is the family of God—the family you are joined to by believing in Christ and trusting in his saving sacrifice on your behalf. By becoming God’s child, you become related to all of God’s children, adopted through Jesus Christ. While everyone comes to God as an individual, it is impossible to belong to Christ without also belonging to other Christians. These others include those of all cultures, all people groups, and all generations across the ages who have come to know Jesus Christ as Lord.

You’ve examined the topic of purpose from a biblical perspective, through the lenses of mission, justice, and church. Take a few minutes to review the four previous modules. Note any questions you identified that you’d like to explore further and make a plan to do so. Now try and articulate how mission, justice, and church relate to God’s overall kingdom purpose for his children, and how they have uniquely played out in your life. In which areas are you most confident? Which do you feel need more action or attention?