4 myths Christians believe
What if you had just ten minutes left to live?
It’s a question that might startle you, but it’s also one that can bring clarity. In that moment, what would rise to the top for you as truly important? Would you be able to say, with confidence, “I knew my purpose… and I lived it”?
That question has shaped much of my teaching over the years. And I believe one of the greatest challenges we face today isn’t a lack of desire to live with intentionality—it’s the confusion that surrounds what purpose really is.
We get stuck. And more often than not, it’s because we’ve bought into a few myths that sound good on the surface, but quietly steer us off course.
Join me as we walk together through four common myths about calling and purpose—and how the truth can set you free to live intentionally.
Myth #1: “My purpose is somewhere out there.”
We tend to think purpose is just ahead of us—waiting to be discovered once life looks a little more ideal. But your purpose doesn’t lay in the future, yet to be experienced.
I’ve heard the “if only” phrases more times than I can count:
- “If only I had more education…
- If only I’d been born in a different time…
- If only I had more money…
- If only my life had turned out differently…”
That kind of thinking postpones obedience, delays purpose, and keeps you stuck in a constant state of waiting.
But God doesn’t call you to live intentionally someday—He calls you to do it today. Your purpose is not out there in the distance. It’s right here. Right now.
Myth #2: “Once I find the right job or cause, I’ll find my purpose.”
This myth connects your calling to your career—and it’s easy to fall into. Believing that when you have the right profession, the right job, the right relationship, the right cause… then you will have found your purpose. And I think that is a mistake.
Let me give you a personal example. Years ago, in graduate school, I took the Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory career assessment test. According to the results, I was supposed to be an ophthalmologist. That’s right—a doctor of the eyes.
And it made sense to me. I love science. I love helping people. But I didn’t become an ophthalmologist. Instead, I became a counselor, then a radio host, and then a ministry leader.
So, did I miss my purpose?
Your purpose comes from who you glorify through what you do.
No. Because my purpose isn’t what I do. It’s who I glorify through what I do.
You could be in medicine, ministry, education, parenting, tech, trades—whatever. Your job may change, but your purpose never does.
Myth #3: “If I find the right thing to do, then I’ll be happy.”
We often chase happiness thinking it will lead us to purpose. But that’s backward. People spend their whole lives trying to find the right profession, the right person to marry, the right city to live in, the right education—and they’re miserable.
Why? Because we’ve made purpose about personal satisfaction instead of spiritual obedience.
Purpose is about Christ.
Now don’t get me wrong—joy comes with living intentionally. But sometimes living your purpose means walking a hard road. Purpose is not always about what makes you feel good—it’s about what brings glory to God.
Myth #4: “If I chase enough experiences, I’ll eventually feel fulfilled.”
This myth is more subtle. We collect experiences—jobs, degrees, ministries, hobbies—thinking that one of them will finally make life make sense.
We often pursue activities, relationships, education, and experiences thinking that one of those pursuits will lead to us feeling fulfilled. But what we’re really doing is confusing activity with intentionality.
Experiences can enrich your life—but they aren’t your purpose. They’re just tools.
Purpose is revealed not by adding more, but by listening more—getting still enough to ask, “God, what have You already placed in my life that You want me to use for Your glory?”
The truth about your purpose is simple. And it’s the same for every follower of Christ across every generation: You were created to glorify God. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31 NIV). That’s your universal purpose.
How you live that out is the beautiful, personal part. You may glorify Him through—
- Parenting.
- Leadership.
- Creativity.
- Service.
- Counseling.
- Administration
- Or, encouragement.
Your profession or position may change, but your purpose never does.
Your Anchor Statement
I encourage you to create an anchor statement—one sentence, no more than 10 words—that answers the question, “Why am I here?”
My own is “To intentionally glorify God and love others.”
That simple statement becomes a compass for me, just as yours should for you.
Every time I make a decision, I ask, “Will this glorify Christ? Will it show love to others?” That’s what it means to live intentionally.
So take some time. Write it out. Pray about it. And then, live it—on purpose.
The biggest loss in life is living your life and never knowing why you’re here. Don’t let myths keep you stuck. Start now. Know your purpose. Live your purpose. And finish strong.
Let’s Be Intentional Together
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. When we choose to live intentionally—on purpose, with Christ at the center—we grow stronger, together. Join the journey and discover tools, teaching, and a like-hearted community that’s walking this out with you. Start here and let’s be intentional—together.
