Impatience. It seems like there is always another preacher, teacher, self-help guru, or motivational speaker selling shorts cuts. They are capitalizing on humanity's impatience. This isn't always realistic for the simple fact we can't always see the entire path clearly from the starting point. We can't possibly anticipate every obstacle along the way. Unexpected delays often send the impatient into a tither. Yet, the irony of it all is their tantrums often only delay them further.
Getting ahead of ourselves. In many places, and at various times I've pointed out that holiness is something we become, not just what we do. However, Christ-likeness is something we do. If we have indeed become holy, this behavior should be the natural by-product of that. Purpose is absolutely a Christ-like behavior that we should be doing. So if it just isn't happening, even when we try to force it. We should really consider taking a step back and address the three dimensions of holiness. Instead of idly waiting at a virtual rest stop, which most of us naturally do.
Validation. As I have also indicated often. People are often more motivated by acceptance, approval, and inclusion than purpose. So if our talents and gifts don't happen to be one that the world wants to praise right away, then we won't necessarily want to follow that path. Purpose really is the "road not taken" for this very reason. It often seems far easier to take the highway to quick and easy inclusion. Even if we have to betray God's design to do it.
Fame and fortune. Not everybody wants fame, yet it seems that everyone wants a fortune. Yet, if we did find fortune all eyes would be on us anyway. Everyone always knows who the richest person in town is after all, so fame and fortune inevitably go together. My point being that Holy purpose is about touching the lives of others. Where fame and fortune are about serving self. Let's face it, the richest and most famous people are not always the holiest people, yet they are envied anyway. Even in ministry, the most famous often get that way by watering down the gospel to more palatable levels. While we may equate the envy of millions to self-worth, in the end, it's a way to cut corners to genuine worth. Remember, God is always more focused on the Holy remnant, not the largest gathering.
Thinking too big. In the Information Age, all eyes are on those at the top of their field. So we often compare ourselves to them, which we can rarely live up to. This often leads us to not bother. This can lead to a spiritual plateau. As I indicated in the last point, the top in their field is not necessarily the best people. Even so, it likely took years of effort to get there. Yet, we didn't see any of that because they were nobody back then. Even good ministries grow in stages, instead of instantly. I don't know whether we need another Rick Warren. But, I do know your local church needs volunteers. That makes you somebody in God's eyes, if not the world.
Comfort. The path to holiness is not one of comfort, since it requires us to face our brokenness and imperfections. So the path to purpose can't be comfortable either, since we ultimately only find true purpose along our path to becoming holy. This lack of comfort is one of the reasons why the subject of holiness is not popular. As well as why so many teachers try to skip over this step. But there really are no shortcuts around this. I liken this to trying to put gas in your car without taking off the gas cap. The fuel won't get where it needs to. So this won't take you very far at all. So if you truly want a holy, purposeful, and fulfilling life; you need to set the idea of comfort aside and disciple up.
Purpose gives us a place in the kingdom of God. Living that out leads to fulfillment. If we are doing this right we will be touching the lives of others in a positive way, a way that leads them to walk the path of wholeness, and eventually, purpose themselves. So this model has a self-perpetuating dynamic to it.
However, if we try to take shortcuts, and skip over necessary milestones of growth, maturity, and wholeness, we can end up broken down at a rest stop. Not that I’m saying you have to be perfect to start said purpose, God obviously believes in on-the-job training. Jesus did just that with his original disciples. Of course, he was there to mentor them. So, unless you are connected to the Holy Spirit, and engage in daily prayer, that’s probably not going to happen for you. Until you can recognize that small voice of rebuke, you can potentially do more harm than good with your purpose. God will not reveal your purpose until you’re ready for it.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why you don't know what your purpose is, and much of it comes back to a lack of holiness in some respect. I'm willing to bet you have a better idea of what your purpose is than you let on, you just don't like the answer. Even if you don't really know, then you probably have a good idea of what your obstacle is. Whatever your specific obstacle may be, to sit and wait is not the thing to do. So it's time to step up and face it already, things won't change until you do.
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