In the tapestry of life, every individual is woven with a unique purpose, carefully crafted by the Creator. From a Biblical perspective, the Scriptures affirm that each person is created with intention, not destined for abuse or misuse, and if you don't know your purpose, someone else will give you theirs. Dr. Myles Munroe, a renowned motivational speaker, author, and pastor, said, “You weren't born just to live a life and to die; you were born to accomplish something specifically. Matter of fact, success is making it to the end of your purpose; that is success...” Let's explore the profound wisdom in the Bible that encourages us to recognize our intrinsic value and live by the divine purpose for our lives.
1. Genesis 1:27 (NIV): "So God created mankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
This foundational verse establishes the divine origin of humanity. We are created in the image of God, a reflection of His character and nature. Recognizing this truth dispels any notion that we are meant for abuse or misuse. Instead, it calls us to treat ourselves and others with the reverence deserving of beings crafted in the image of the Divine. We were created to esteem, honor, and respect one another, especially as believers in the household of faith. The question is, do you know your purpose? If so, what is it?
2. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah's prophecy reassures us that God's plans for us are filled with hope and purpose. Our lives are not designed for mistreatment or exploitation. Instead, they are carefully orchestrated, leading us toward a promising future. Embracing this truth allows us to reject abusive patterns and align our lives with fulfilling the purpose God has ordained for each of us. As people of faith, we should always endeavor to encourage each other toward fulfilling God's divine purpose so the world around us is better and the kingdom of God is exalted.
3. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV): "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Paul's letter to the Ephesians emphasizes that we are God's masterpiece, crafted with precision and purpose. Our lives are designed to contribute positively to the world around us. Understanding this intrinsic value compels us to reject any form of misuse or abuse, both directed inwardly and outwardly. Knowing this not only keeps us from being abused and misused but also from misusing and abusing others. Another profound statement spoken by Dr. Myles Munroe is, “When purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable.” Knowing our purpose is critical to fulfillment, success, and victorious living.
4. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV): "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies."
This passage underscores the sacredness of our physical and spiritual selves. Our bodies are temples, dwelling places for the Holy Spirit. Understanding this truth reframes how we view ourselves and others. It instills a sense of responsibility to treat our bodies and the bodies of others with the respect and dignity they deserve, rejecting any form of abuse or misuse. For this reason, proper rest, relaxation, and eating a healthy diet are encouraged by those in the medical field. In essence, it should be clearly stated that if we abuse our physical body and suffer from significant health challenges, it may become less likely for us to achieve our purpose in life. I have been so blessed by Dr. Munroe's speeches throughout my life. If you would indulge me again, I would like to share one more powerful statement he made: "The wealthiest places in the world are not gold mines, oil fields, diamond mines or banks. The wealthiest place is the cemetery. There lies buried companies that were never started, inventions that were never made, bestsellers that were never written, and masterpieces that were never painted. In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasure of untapped potential.”
5. Galatians 5:13 (NIV): "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
True freedom, as emphasized in Galatians, is not a license for abuse or misuse. Instead, it calls us to serve one another in love. Our freedom is intertwined with responsibility — a responsibility to honor and uplift, not to exploit or harm. No one was ever created to dominate or oppress another person. Thus, robbing them of the inalienable right to human dignity and freedom to fulfill their creative purpose is both harmful and exploitative, which undermines God's sovereign will, which is a unique right to every person.
Conclusion:
From the very beginning, the Bible declares the inherent worth and purpose of every individual. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, destined for a future filled with hope and goodness. Embracing our divine design means rejecting abuse and misuse in how we treat ourselves and how we interact with and treat others. As we align our lives with the purpose for which we were created, we find fulfillment, joy, and a deeper connection with our Creator, who fashioned us with love and intention.