CONNIE WILLIAMS

A well-defined purpose brings clarity to every decision we make. If a business’s goal is to always have the lowest price, then every choice would be measured against that purpose. If something did not help the company stay the lowest-priced company, it would be rejected.

The same principle applies to every area of life, especially our spiritual lives. A clear sense of purpose gives direction and stability, just as light cuts through darkness. The Bible teaches that followers of Christ are engaged in a spiritual battle, not against people, but against evil forces that seek to destroy faith and purpose. In Ephesians 6, Paul describes six spiritual tools that help believers stand strong. One of them is “having your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” Like sturdy shoes for a soldier, this readiness helps believers stand firm and move forward with confidence.

In Paul’s time, Roman soldiers wore thick boots with metal studs on the soles. These gave them firm footing during battle and protected them from sharp objects hidden on the ground. Paul used this image to show that Christians need spiritual stability too. Our “boots” are not made of leather. They are made of a willingness to share the good news of Jesus Christ. This readiness to share the gospel strengthens us and keeps us steady when life becomes difficult.

Paul’s teaching in Ephesians connects directly to Isaiah 52:7, which speaks of those who bring good news: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings.” The same verse appears again in Romans 10, where Paul reminds believers that people cannot believe in Jesus unless someone tells them about Him. Sharing the message of salvation is not the job of pastors alone. It is the responsibility of every believer. Our readiness to share Christ’s peace is both a weapon in spiritual warfare and a core part of our purpose on earth.

Every person was created by God for a reason. Many people, both religious and non-religious, sense that life must have meaning, yet they search endlessly for what it is. The Bible says we are not accidents or products of chance. God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” God had a plan for Jeremiah before his birth and He has a plan for each of us too. Every life is intentional, designed by God for a purpose.

That purpose is not simply to live comfortably or to achieve personal goals. Our purpose is to take part in God’s plan and to help others come to know Him. God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” He is patient, “not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.” Jesus Himself said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” If that is God’s purpose, then our purpose must be to help fulfill it.

God’s work often involves partnership. While He could act alone, He chooses to work through people. He told Noah to build an ark, Nehemiah to rebuild the wall, and the disciples to spread the gospel. Before returning to heaven, Jesus told His followers, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” The central mission for every believer is to share the good news with others wherever they are.

Sadly, some Christians make careful plans for their careers, families, and finances but give little thought to God’s mission. Yet this is the very reason we remain on earth. Just as a soldier focuses on completing his commander’s orders, followers of Christ are called to expand God’s kingdom and free those trapped in spiritual darkness. This calling is not a burden but a source of true fulfillment.

People often look for meaning in work, success, pleasure, or wealth, but these things cannot fill the emptiness inside. Many who seem to “have it all” still feel deeply unsatisfied. The writer of Ecclesiastes learned that achievements and possessions bring only temporary joy. Lasting fulfillment comes only through knowing God and living out His purpose.

When we live for God’s purpose, we find the meaning and stability our hearts long for. Sharing His message gives us direction, strengthens our faith, and protects us from the enemy’s attempts to distract and discourage us. Our lives gain eternal value when we dedicate ourselves to the mission God has given: To bring His peace to others.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

Ephesians 2:10