Testimonies abound online from people who lived life with only self-centered goals and then later realized it was a big mistake. They say things like, “Enough is never enough,” “I sold my soul,” and “There has to be more to life.” Paula Span wrote about Manny, a friend of her father, who made the rounds every day to check on the welfare of his aged friends in his community. A purpose in life higher than himself gave him satisfaction, and it gave him joy. Those without a purpose higher than themselves tend to drift through life aimlessly, often ending up feeling empty and unfulfilled.

The world needs people, like Manny, who work in social causes, such a Meals on Wheels, as volunteer firemen or hostesses at the hospital, as school board members, and as leaders in Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts. However, the plain truth is that unsaved people can fill these positions, and there are usually plenty available. But only the Lord’s people can fill the roles of ministry to further the cause of Christ. God’s will for all Christians is to fulfill a far higher, nobler, and more urgently needed, Christ-centered purpose in life. Paul puts it this way: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (relating to serving the Lord), which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). In the local church, there is a constant need for those who know Christ to serve as greeters, nursery workers, and teachers. We can serve meals related to ministry, visit and send letters to visitors, provide transportation, type the bulletin, and canvas neighborhoods inviting people to church. There is a need to give the gospel to lost souls at work, in our neighborhoods, at restaurants, when guests visit our homes, and in every opportunity that comes our way. Our opportunities to minister for the Lord are only limited by our imagination. Willingly serving the Lord needs to become our primary purpose in life.

Even the secular writer Mark Twain wrote, “The two most important days of your life are the day you are born, and the day you figure out why.” Beginning today, embrace a Christ-centered purpose in life that will make an eternal difference, and then report for duty to your local church.