Finding Your Purpose: Course Date Instructor Be Sure

Finding Your Purpose Name: Course: Date: Instructor: Be sure you respond to

Summarize the concept of missio Dei (missional purpose). Your answer in words:

Summarize Buechner's concept of finding your purpose and explain how this aligns with the way you live out your worldview (missional purpose). Your answer in words:

Reflect on your beliefs about origins (creational purpose) and describe how those beliefs contribute to your understanding of human purpose. Your answer in words:

Describe how Jesus's statement of overarching purpose in the commandment to love God and love others as ourselves can be lived in and out of the workplace. Your answer in words:

Describe how your future career can be an opportunity to help others flourish, to be purposeful, and to do no harm. Your answer in words:

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The quest to find one’s purpose is a fundamental aspect of human existence and spiritual understanding. It involves exploring one’s core motivations, beliefs, and actions in relation to a larger divine or moral purpose. Central to many theological perspectives is the concept of missio Dei, a Latin term meaning “the mission of God.” This concept emphasizes that human purpose aligns with God's ongoing mission to restore and reconcile creation. Instead of viewing human purpose as solely individual or self-centered, missio Dei situates it within God's divine plan, motivating believers to participate actively in divine work through service, justice, and compassion. This understanding frames human purpose as inherently missional, calling individuals to live out their faith in ways that extend beyond personal fulfillment to impact broader communities and environments.

According to Frederick Buechner, discovering one’s purpose involves listening to the "deep gladness" and "the world's hunger." Buechner suggests that purpose surfaces at the intersection of personal passion and the world's needs, compelling individuals to pursue vocations that serve both their authentic selves and the larger community. This notion aligns closely with a missional worldview by emphasizing that purpose is not merely about personal achievement but about contributing meaningfully to others’ well-being. Living out this purpose fosters a life of authenticity, where one’s passions are directed toward addressing societal needs, thus embodying a lived expression of faith and mission in everyday activities and vocations.

Beliefs about origins, particularly the biblical account of creation, significantly shape one’s understanding of human purpose. The conviction that humans are created in the image of God (imago Dei) confers inherent dignity and worth, establishing a foundation for purposeful living. This creational purpose involves stewardship of the earth, cultivating relationships, and exercising moral responsibility. Such beliefs motivate individuals to see their lives as contributions to the divine intention for creation, fostering a sense of accountability and service. Recognizing our divine origin emphasizes that human purpose is rooted in reflecting God's character—loving, caring, and nurturing—within personal and communal contexts.

Jesus's commandment to love God fully and to love others as oneself encapsulates the overarching purpose of faith in practical terms. These principles can be lived out in the workplace through acts of integrity, kindness, and service. Engaging with colleagues and clients with genuine care reflects this love, creating an environment of trust and mutual respect. Implementing these commandments might mean advocating for justice, practicing ethical decision-making, and fostering inclusive cultures. Such actions transform the workplace into a space where divine love is tangibly expressed, thereby integrating spiritual purpose with professional responsibilities.

Future careers present an opportunity to help others flourish and to act with purpose while avoiding harm. Whether in healthcare, education, business, or non-profit sectors, professionals can prioritize ethical practices, compassion, and sustainability. Intentional focus on empowering others, promoting justice, and developing sustainable solutions enables one to contribute positively to society. For example, a future educator can foster confidence and curiosity in students, while a business leader can implement fair labor practices. By consciously aligning career goals with these values, individuals create environments that nurture growth, foster well-being, and embody a sense of divine service and purpose.

References

• Bartholomew, C. G., & Goheen, M. W. (2014). The Drama of Scripture: Finding Our Place in the Biblical Story. Baker Academic.
• Buechner, F. (2004). Pursuit of God. HarperOne.
• Grenz, S. J., & Olson, R. E. (2001). Who Needs Theology?. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Newbigin, L. (1989). Foolishness to the Greeks: The Gospel and Western Culture. Eerdmans.
• Plantinga, C. (2011). Engaging God's Word: A Pastor's Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. Eerdmans.
• Wright, N. T. (2006). Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. HarperOne.
• Campbell, H. A. (2010). When Religion Goes Pop: The Re-Enchantment of Cultural Life. Routledge.
• Chester, S. (2014). The Problem of the Body: Feminism, Modernism, and the Politics of Disembodiment. Routledge.
• Rahner, K. (1966). Foundations of Christian Faith. Crossroad.
• Moltmann, J. (1993). The Trinity and the Kingdom. Fortress Press.