There is no purpose without possession!

There is no identity without belonging and there is no purpose without possession.

Belonging is a feeling or sense of inclusion or connection within a family, group, or community that causes us to identify as a part of the whole. Belonging is also one’s identity based on a claim of ownership, exclusive production, creation, offspring, and even developmental realities whether temporal, temporary, or deeply-rooted (including personality traits, mindset, behavioral patterns, thought frequencies, and heart posture). Colossians 1:16 ESV says “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.”

Not only has God established our belonging to him through his creation of us, but he also provides us with an identity based on spiritual facts. This ensures us that we did not just exist because of him, but that we also exist for him; We aren’t just from him, but we are an exponential part of him. When we spend time building our relationship with him, those actualizations materialize into our emotions through feelings and a sense of belonging on a daily basis, which creates a continual thought process for a consistent flow of what motivation produces in our day-to-day lives.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

Possession, based on a worldly definition, doesn’t take into account whether or not it has any rights – to claim; It instead establishes dominion over one’s self, in an attempt to capitalize them, because of perceived worth or value. But possession, on the spiritual side, can be defined as the capturing of one’s heart (through one’s own personal choice), which establishes belonging (that was once lost, but is now found) and a connection of one’s true identity (as a child of God). This gives one dominion and authority (as a result of heirship), through the revealing of a measure of gifts and talents that facilitate a life of purpose through relational direction with the Lord (our creator).

The thing that ALL people share (whether Christian or not) is that we tend to be concerned and consumed with the notion of finding and living out life’s purpose. But purpose is more than a long-term temporal or spiritually connected goal or fulfillment. In fact, those things can be described as appointments and assignments throughout life. Purpose is really a daily direction, as led by the Lord, that can only be fulfilled through an active relationship with him that causes us to live out a life of faith. If one feels that they have no purpose or are concerned that they’ve already completed their purpose, it is fair to say that they are mistaking their assignment (whether short term or long term) for purpose. Which demonstrates that they have either disconnected or do not have a relationship with the Lord.

Having a relationship with the Lord, essentially connects the missing link that validates belonging, reveals identity, possesses truth, and only then, establishes purpose.

Be blessed,

G.M.