Raison d'être is a French phrase, which, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is defined as "the thing that is most important to someone or something: the reason for which a person or organization exists."
I stumbled upon this phrase many years ago, and it immediately struck the core of my being. I asked myself the same questions I'm asking you now: "Are you personally aware of the reason for your existence?" If so, "Are you fulfilling the ultimate purpose of your life?"
We will tackle these two questions in this post, starting with the first one.
The Reason for Your Existence
The Scriptures make it clear that God's glory is the ultimate purpose of our existence. To give God glory is to give Him honor and praise. God created us, and we live to bring glory to Him. Everything else in life is secondary and pales in comparison to the central goal of bringing honor and praise to God with our lives.
Whatever you do, NEVER lose sight of the fact that God is the essence of who you are, and without Him, you are nothing!
Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory. Isaiah 43:7
Fulfilling your Purpose
Now that you know why God created you, how can you fulfill your purpose?
To know God and make Him known
You were created to know God and to make Him known, for your heart to be on fire for Him so that you can set the world around you on fire for Him.
You bring glory to God by spending time fellowshipping with Him in prayer and the Word, by obeying His commands, and by being a faithful ambassador of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The more time you spend with God, the more you get to know Him. Then, you can be an effective minister of the gospel. (1 Peter 4:11)
To praise and worship God
You exist to praise and worship God. You bring glory to God when you praise Him. His praise should continually be on your lips, irrespective of your circumstances. He chose you and called you to declare His praises. (1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 50:23)
To walk in the fruit of the Spirit
You exist to walk in the fruit of the Spirit so that you may attract your world into the kingdom of God. Your life should so reflect Him that you act as a magnet drawing people to Him. This brings glory to God. (John 15:8)
You were created for Him to be the essence of who you are so that He becomes the essence of everything you do. Everything about you should point to God and glorify Him. The way you think, talk, treat people, act at work or school, dress up, eat, etc. Every detail of your life should be for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Conclusion
To conclude, I'll go back to the two questions;
"Are you personally aware of the reason for your existence?" If so, "Are you fulfilling the ultimate purpose of your life?"
Reflect on these questions and determine to bring glory to God through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives and dwells in you.
Your life is an open book to the world; live it to the glory of God.
- Chizobam Idahosa (a purpose-filled COBI community member and writer; read this full length original post and more at BeautifulinJesus.com)