Why has God made me?

So much of our identity is wrapped up in our purpose. What is my purpose for life? Why am I here? Why did God make me? How can I be His instrument?

We are indeed the work of God’s hand. And just as the potter sits and begins to create with purpose in mind, so does God. The potter may only tell us of an idea- a vase, a mug, a plate. But as it takes shape and we ask more questions; it is clear that the potter has more in mind. The size, the form, the color.

God too has molded each of us into the size, the form, the color, the intelligence and talents that he imagined before we were born. He knew what we would do before he began the process. He knew who we were before He formed us in our mother’s womb. He wanted us and loved us from then on.

Glorify God

All this is the foundation for understanding that He created mankind for two reasons, and He created each of us with unique purpose to further those reasons. Isaiah 43:6b-7 says, ‘Bring my sons … and daughters… everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’ He has created every one of us to give honor and glory to Him. The most direct way to do that is to honor his creation, including you. By being the person that He created, you give honor to him. Our obedience and honor to Him glorify him, but there is an abundant return on that glory: living our lives to glorify Him leads us to a joyful, peaceful and content life. Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God (Hebrews 1:3) and shows us how to live a life that glorifies God; Jesus is the example. He is the one we have already chosen to pattern our lives after. So, we can rest assured that we are glorifying God.

Good News

The second reason for our creation is to share the Gospel. We often call the passage in Matthew 28:16-20 ‘The Great Commission’. The ‘kids definition’ of commission from Merriam-Webster says commission is, ‘an order granting the power to perform various acts or duties.’ We have been granted the power to spread the Good News of God. The other thing that always strikes me about this word ‘commission’ is that it is similar to co-mission. In fact, we are joined on this mission by the Holy Spirit who has bestowed this power upon us. What a relief that we don’t have to do this alone!