Bible Verses About Life: Finding Your Purpose

Different people, including scientists, have offered varying theories on life’s origins, and there are endless debates surrounding this topic. It is normal to have a curious mind and to question things as important as this because our understanding of life, its origins, and its purpose often shapes how we live and how we make important life choices. Let’s look at some Bible verses about life to gain clarity on these topics, including finding your purpose.

Origins of Life

Amidst all the varying theories on life, Christians firmly believe that it all began with God. Genesis 1:1-2 (NIV) says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” The earth’s formlessness, darkness, and emptiness confirm the lifelessness of the earth at this stage.

After this account of a dark, empty, and formless earth, we see the first signs of life in Genesis 1:20-22 (NIV) which says, “And God said, ‘Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.’ God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the waters in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.’”

A careful reading of the story of creation in the book of Genesis reveals how God had an active role in creating life. He carefully thought through each and everything he created, including the smallest and largest creatures. He proceeded to bless them. From the story of creation, we can already see that God’s intention for everything He created was for it to be good.

Of all the living things created man was created last. In Genesis 1:26, (NIV) God pronounced, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

The creation of man is special in that we were created in God’s image. This fact should not only fill us with a deep sense of awe but humility and gratitude. Our worth as people should not derive from material things or other human-set standards. Rather, our worth should come from this very fact of being made in God’s image.

Because people are born different in stature, looks, color, and other physical differences, this should be the first indication that being made in God’s image has nothing to do with our physical attributes. We were created in God’s spiritual image with the capacity to reflect God’s divine essence.

Being created in God’s image should remind us as Christians to live our lives in ways that honor the sacredness of human life. It should be reflective of the character of the God who created us, gave us life, and blessed us. Whatever decisions we make in life, from our innermost private thoughts to the way we interact with people, our natural environment, and God, should all reflect a godly nature of unconditional love, forgiveness, patience, and care.

Finding Your Purpose in Life

John 10:10 (NIV) says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This verse holds a powerful message that Jesus came down to earth so that we may have meaningful, full, and rich lives. It is important for us, as Christians, to understand what the fullness of life looks like in God’s eyes.

Often, we get lost chasing priorities that the world expects us to chase without trying to figure out what God’s true purpose for our lives is. Through John 10:10, we are reminded that in Jesus we find meaning to our lives because the life He promises us exceeds the temporary pleasures and goals of this world.

Finding your purpose in life through Jesus Christ does not mean deserting everything and everyone to join a nunnery or monastery. It is rather recognizing Jesus as a source of abundant life and reordering our priorities to move away from selfish and temporary pursuits.

Everything we do as Christians, be it at our jobs or our day-to-day human interactions, should reflect God’s character and bring praise to His name. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

The choice of words in this verse encompasses all the things we do as human beings including the seemingly mundane things like eating or drinking. This shows that our purpose in life, regardless of our station in life, should above all else have a God-centered perspective.

A purpose-driven life starts when you develop an intimate relationship with God. With our busy schedules, most of us think that going to church every other Sunday is all it takes to find God. However, you will only develop an intimate relationship with God by going beyond church attendance.

Constant prayer, meditation on His Word, and listening to what He is telling you are what connects you more deeply with God. Knowing Him involves a deep commitment and actively seeking Him with your whole heart. It is not meant to be an afterthought or a religious routine.

This type of intimate relationship with God not only gives you the guidance and wisdom needed to navigate through life, but through Him, you will also get the motivation to live. This rings true when you read Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) which says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Discovering your purpose in life through Christ brings joy, peace, and contentment. Life boggles us with all its problems including the high cost of living, unemployment, high levels of crime, wars, and political and social unrest across continents.

Mental health issues are on the rise and finding peace can seem like a luxury that we cannot afford. This is the lie that Satan wants us to believe as we saw in John 10:10. Satan’s purpose is to destroy our hopes and dreams, steal our joy and peace, and kill our spirits.

In Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV ) we hear Paul saying, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” After finding his purpose in life through Christ, Paul became one of the most influential Biblical figures whose life reflected godly attributes. We can experience the peace and contentment that Paul describes in these verses if we center our purpose in life on Jesus Christ.

Did these Bible verses about life inspire you?

Are you struggling to find your purpose in life? Would like to develop a more intimate relationship with God to help you live a purposeful life with God at the center of it? Reach out today to make an appointment with one of the counselors at our offices.