- Bruce Sampson
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Spiritual Essential: Purpose
We’ve all heard the phrase, “I want to be the best version of me.” It sounds harmless and sometimes even motivating, but it misses something essential about what God desires. That idea assumes there is enough in me to shape myself into something better, more acceptable, or more worthy. And if you spend time in a gym, on a team, or in hustle culture, that idea shows up everywhere. Add five more pounds. Drop twenty. Push one more rep. Wake up at 3am. We’re told that measurable progress leads to fulfillment, and fulfillment leads to purpose.
While God did design us with the capacity for growth and resilience, the danger is that we begin believing the ultimate goal of life is self-improvement. Worse, we start thinking God is asking us to present a perfected version of ourselves before He’ll accept us. But that is not the gospel. When our identity is rooted in what we can do for God, our faith becomes performance-driven instead of grace-shaped.
Isaiah 43 gives us a clearer picture of who God is and who we are. Israel was living in exile, defeated and discouraged, yet God speaks over them: “I have called you by name, you are Mine.” Before they could offer anything or improve themselves, God had already claimed them. Then He promises, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you… the rivers will not overwhelm you.” Israel didn’t earn this assurance. God anchored His promise in His character, not their performance.
This is where the paradigm shifts. We were not created to work our way toward God, but rather we were created to walk with God. Isaiah points forward to Jesus, our Immanuel, “God with us,” the One who steps into deep waters with us and stands in the fire with us. We don’t become acceptable to God through effort. Our effort reveals our love for God because we are already accepted.
So what does it mean, then, to live for God’s glory instead of our own? It starts with understanding why we exist. God created us for a relationship with Him and gave us the purpose of reflecting His character. To glorify God means to make His greatness visible in our lives. That means the “best version of me” isn’t the strongest, most disciplined, or most successful version. The best version of me is the most Christ-centered me. It’s a version that depends on God, walks with God, and responds to His grace.
When I chase personal records only for the sake of achievement, the glory stops with me. But when my effort is rooted in gratitude for what God has done, my strength becomes a testimony of His work in my life. When I pursue a degree, grow a business, develop skills, or serve others, my goal isn’t to elevate myself but to pursue excellence that points back to the One who made me and redeemed me.
Every part of life including my relationships, work ethic, habits, time in Scripture is meant to be lived with God, not just for self-betterment. Paul captures this beautifully in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Glorifying God isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing everything with Him at the center.
To live for God’s glory means recognizing that He is with us and letting every pursuit, every effort, and every moment reflect His goodness rather than our own greatness.
Question for Reflection:
Where do you find your efforts more focused on you than glorifying God?
How does God’s grace shape your view of purpose?