Have you ever asked yourself, "What am I doing here?" or "What am I here for?" These questions often surface during difficult times or even while sitting in church wondering about your purpose. The truth is, God has designed each of us with intention and purpose.

While our culture teaches us to chase purpose through status or workplace achievements, God has a different perspective. He wants us to discover our purpose through His design for us in and through the church.

Saved By Grace, Not By Works

Ephesians 2:8-10 makes it clear that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own doing. There's nothing we can do to earn salvation. Many people hope that their good deeds will outweigh their bad ones, but that's not how salvation works.

No amount of good works can earn us a ticket to heaven. What gives us access to heaven is through the Father and the sacrificial death of Jesus—His death, burial, and resurrection. When we trust in Him and ask for forgiveness, we receive salvation not because of what we've done, but because of what He's done.

Saved For Works, Not By Works

While we aren't saved by works, we are saved for works. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

The word "workmanship" in the original Greek is "poiema," which refers to crafting a masterpiece. You are God's masterpiece! Unlike a sunset or beautiful landscape, you are a crafted masterpiece with purpose and intention.

Imagine if the great masterpieces of art history were never shared but hidden away in basements or closets. What a tragedy! Similarly, your life as God's masterpiece shouldn't be hidden but displayed for His glory. Just as creation reflects God's glory (Romans 1:20), your life is meant to reflect His redemption and grace.

What Does It Mean to Be Part of the Body?

Ephesians 1:22-23 reminds us that Christ is the head of the church, and we, the church, are His body. The "body" isn't the building but the group of believers serving for God's glory.

Each of us serves as a part of this body. We don't work for salvation, but because of salvation. Our identity in Christ comes before our activity for Christ. The church isn't the building we go to; it's the body we belong to.

Our role within this body is to edify—to build up one another. Instead of tearing down or sitting in judgment, we should encourage each other. This requires being present and getting to know one another so we can walk alongside each other through life's challenges.

Walking in God's Prepared Path

God has prepared a path for each of us, but we must decide to walk in it. The word "walk" in the original language doesn't refer to a one-time event but to a habitual way of life—your Christian walk.

Doing the right thing isn't always easy, but it's always right. We must develop spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and gathering together so that when hard times come, we're prepared to respond appropriately.

True discipleship isn't occasionally dabbling in what God would have us do; it's consistently walking in the things God has appointed us to do. It's deciding to follow Jesus with no turning back.

Are You a Consumer or a Contributor?

In church, there are often two types of people:

As a growing church in revitalization, there are ministries that need people to serve. A consumer says, "I wish they did more," while a contributor asks, "How can I make a difference?"

We're not all called to the same function, but we all have a function. If we're not operating in our calling, the church isn't being built up as it should be.

Finding Your Purpose in the Word, Not the World

Stop trying to find your purpose in the world and start finding it in the Word. The more you grow in Christ, the clearer your purpose becomes.

Discovering your purpose begins not with asking what you can get, but what you can give. It starts with ensuring you have a relationship with Christ. When you do, you can embrace God's calling and build His body.

We weren't made to warm a seat; we were made to work in the kingdom—not to earn grace but to show grace.

Life Application

At Emmanuel, we don't just want members; we want ministers. Membership in the world has its privileges, but in the body of Christ, it's about ministry. We're all called to serve and share Christ's love with others.

When our identity is wrapped up in things we can't control—like jobs or titles—we set ourselves up for disappointment. The most important role is your place in Christ and what He would have you do.

Ask yourself these questions this week:

Remember, whatever you do—whether at work or church—do it for God's glory, not your own. You were made for more.