LIVING FOR GOD: FINDING PURPOSE, MEANING, AND FULFILLMENT IN SPIRITUAL DEVOTION

 LIVING FOR GOD: FINDING PURPOSE, MEANING, AND FULFILLMENT IN SPIRITUAL DEVOTION

By Pastor Emmanuel Obu (The Apostle of Joy)

The first step towards living a life of God's profound purpose, is to turn from the things of this world that rob us of direction. Our main focus needs to be to get to know God intimately and fellowship with Him. A meaningful life happens as we resolve to do God’s will and to love others as Christ loves us. In short, the believer’s goal is to allow the Holy Spirit to make us alive in Christ, to be transformed and conformed to His image by God’s grace through faith.

Our purpose is revealed as we seek God in faith and patiently study His Word. If life takes twists and turns, it doesn’t necessarily mean we have stepped out of God’s will. In fact, if our focus is on Christ, twists and turns may be an inexplicable part of His plan. Our calling may be for a specific time, such as with the prophets. Or, God, may give us certain abilities, gifts, or passions, such as with Joseph’s preparation to preserve people during a famine. Or, Esther’s mission in rescuing her people—a calling “for such a time as this.” Let’s seek the Spirit and be intentional going forward as to how we are living this life blessed by God (Pro.19:21).

Living for God transcends mere religious adherence; it's a profound commitment to a life guided by spiritual principles, moral values, and a deep sense of purpose. For millions around the world, the pursuit is a journey towards inner peace, fulfillment, and a connection to something greater than oneself.

Understanding Living for God:

At its core, living for God involves aligning one's thoughts, actions, and intentions with divine will or God's guidance. For many of us, this means adhering to the teachings and the tenets of our faith. It can also be interpreted in a broader sense, encompassing spiritual practices, mindfulness, and ethical living.

Living for God implies a deep commitment to moral integrity, compassion, and service to others. It involves cultivating virtues such as love, kindness, patience, and forgiveness in every aspect of life. Rather than being driven solely by personal desires or material pursuits, individuals who live for God seek to fulfill a higher purpose, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and their responsibility to contribute positively to the world.

Challenges and Obstacles:

While the desire to live for God can be deeply fulfilling, it is not without its challenges. In a world marked by distractions, temptations, and moral relativism, staying true to spiritual principles can be difficult. Moreover, individuals may face skepticism, criticism, or even persecution for their beliefs and practices.

Internal struggles, such as doubts, fears, and ego-driven desires, can also hinder one's ability to fully commit to living for God. Overcoming these obstacles requires self-awareness, humility, and a willingness to surrender to divine guidance. It often involves a process of inner transformation, wherein individuals confront their inner demons, cultivate virtues, and deepen their relationship with the divine.

Practical Steps to Living for God:

Living for God is not just an abstract concept but a way of life that requires daily practice and discipline. While the specifics may vary depending on one's religious or spiritual tradition, there are certain universal principles and practices that can help individuals live more authentically in alignment with divine will:

1. Prayer and Meditation On The Word: Regular communication with the divine through prayer, meditation on scriptures, can foster a deeper connection and guidance from God. It can deepen relationship with the divine.

2. Study of Scriptures and Sacred Texts: Engaging with scriptures, holy texts, or spiritual literature can provide insights, guidance, and inspiration for living a righteous life. We can gain insight into deeper revelations of God through the experiences and understanding of those who have gone before us.

3. Cultivation of Virtues: Consciously cultivating virtues such as compassion, service, humility, gratitude, love, respect and integrity can transform one's character and behaviour.

4. Service to Others: Practicing selfless service and compassion towards others, especially the less fortunate, is a tangible expression of living for God. People don't care how much you know; but they know how much you care. This is in the very core of real Christian living.

5. Surrender and Trust: Learning to surrender one's will to divine will and trusting in God's plan can alleviate anxiety and foster inner peace. Worries about tomorrow can simply be handed over to the One who knows and controls tomorrow.

6. Mindfulness and Awareness: Cultivating mindfulness and present moment awareness can help individuals stay grounded, centered, and attentive to divine guidance in everyday life.

7. Community and Fellowship: Surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals, participating in religious or spiritual communities, and seeking guidance from spiritual mentors can provide support and encouragement on the spiritual journey.

Benefits of Living for God:

The rewards of living for God are not merely spiritual but extend to all aspects of life. Individuals who align their lives with divine will often experience:

1. Inner Peace and Contentment: By surrendering to divine guidance and trusting in God's plan, individuals can find profound peace and contentment, even amidst life's challenges.

2. Meaning and Purpose: Living for God gives life a deeper sense of meaning and purpose, as individuals recognize their role in serving a higher good and contributing positively to the world.

3. Compassion and Empathy: Deepening one's connection to God often leads to greater compassion, empathy, and love towards oneself and others.

4. Strength and Resilience: Faith in God provides strength and resilience to face life's difficulties with courage and grace, knowing that one is never alone.

5. Forgiveness and Healing: By embracing divine love and forgiveness, individuals can experience healing and liberation from past hurts, resentments, and regrets.

Conclusion:

Living for God is a journey that invites individuals to transcend their ego-driven desires and align their lives with divine will. It is a path of self-discovery, inner transformation, and service to others, guided by principles of love, compassion, and integrity. While the journey may be challenging at times, the rewards are immeasurable. 

As you embark on this sacred journey, may you find the courage, strength, and grace to live authentically and wholeheartedly for God.

© Emmanuel Obu

February 15, 2024 

Emmanuel Obu is a clergy and a brands and communications strategist based in Lagos. He is the Chief Design Officer at Design Turf Limited - an innovative and ideas agency with a design thinking outlook.