In a world obsessed with grand achievements and global impact, it’s easy to feel lost when it comes to finding our purpose. We’re bombarded with messages about changing the world, making headlines, and becoming industry leaders. But what if we’ve been looking at purpose all wrong? What if the key to living a purposeful life isn’t about chasing something big and elusive, but rather uncovering something small and simple that’s already within us?
Let’s take a moment to reflect on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13-16:
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
These verses follow the Beatitudes, where Jesus lays out the foundation for a new kind of community. It’s a kingdom-focused community with paradoxical core values that celebrate the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and the persecuted. This isn’t exactly a list of world-changers by conventional standards. Yet, these are precisely the people Jesus says will live into a greater purpose as his followers.
So, what is purpose, really? Let’s break it down into three key insights:
1. Purpose Begins with Identity
Jesus doesn’t say, “You might become salt and light if you work hard enough.” He declares, “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.” It’s not aspirational; it’s a statement of who we already are. Our purpose isn’t about proving our worth or achieving lofty goals. It’s about living into the identity God has already given us.
Think about salt for a moment. In ancient times, it was incredibly valuable, used for preserving food, purification, and seasoning. Even today, salt has countless applications, from enhancing flavors to melting ice on winter roads. When Jesus calls us “salt,” He’s saying we bring something essential to the world around us. We preserve what is good, enhance what is bland, and can change the atmosphere of our environments simply by our presence.
And light? Light reveals, brings hope, and pushes back darkness. We’re not meant to live in shadows or dim our brightness. The light within us reflects the image of God, and that’s where our purpose begins – in living out what God says we already are.
2. Purpose is Meant to Make a Difference
Jesus didn’t call us the “salt of the saltshaker” or the “light of the closet.” Our purpose isn’t meant to be contained or limited to small, safe spaces. It’s meant to lead us beyond ourselves and into the world, touching lives and impacting others in the places we already inhabit.
This doesn’t mean we need a global platform or viral fame. Making a difference often happens in quiet, unseen ways. It’s speaking a kind word to someone feeling invisible, showing up faithfully to do a job others take for granted, living out your values in a world that prioritizes power and success, or choosing forgiveness over bitterness.
These actions may never appear on a resume, but they matter deeply. They make a tangible difference in the world around us. When we live purposefully, reflecting God’s love and grace, we help others see God more clearly. It’s not about being impressive; it’s about being intentional in ways that bless others and glorify God.
3. Purpose is Lived in the Ordinary for the Sake of Others
Here’s where it gets real: living our purpose isn’t reserved for special occasions or big moments. It’s woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. Your purpose goes with you into your home, workplace, school, the grocery store, your social media interactions, and your friendships. It’s lived out in how you listen to others’ stories, especially those on the margins of society. It’s in the grace you offer and the small, seemingly insignificant choices you make daily.
Think about it: salt and light are ordinary elements that we often take for granted. They don’t shout for attention or need applause. They simply exist – quietly and consistently – changing everything around them by their presence. That’s the picture of purpose we’re called to embody.
Purpose is holding a child’s hand when they’re scared, sending an encouraging message to someone who’s struggling, treating people with kindness when no one else is, showing integrity when nobody’s watching, forgiving even when you have every right to be bitter, or faithfully praying for someone who may never know about it.
When we live this way, our everyday life becomes a place where people can encounter the sacred. Ordinary moments become infused with meaning. We’re not living for credit or to boost our ego; we’re living to point others to Jesus, much like John the Baptist, whose entire ministry was about directing people to Christ.
So, if you’ve ever wondered if you really matter or if your life can make a difference, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” Not because of what you can do, but because of who you are. You were created to bring flavor, to preserve goodness, to push back the darkness – right here, right now, in the everyday moments of your life.
Your purpose isn’t something waiting to be found “out there.” It’s the very core of who you are, meant to make a difference in the world through the ordinary rhythms of your days. You are salt. You are light. And the world needs the unique flavor and illumination only you can bring.
As you go about your week, consider: How can you be salt and light in your current circumstances? What small acts of kindness, integrity, or grace might you offer that could make a significant difference to someone else? Remember, you don’t have to change the whole world to live purposefully. Sometimes, changing one person’s world – even for a moment – is more than enough.
