As we conclude these seven weeks together, the Lord has laid on my heart to talk about living a life on purpose.

We hear so many worldly phrases today: “You only live once,” “You do you,” “Do what makes you happy,” “Live your best life” or “Do it for the ‘gram.” None of these phrases hold eternal meaning. In fact, Mae West, the famous actress popular in the 1930s, once said, ‘You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Nothing could be further from the truth. 

If you believe you only live once and that once is enough, you must also believe there is no eternity. Without eternal life, what is the meaning of life? It all seems meaningless to me. A life filled with bucket lists and Instagram likes is a life forgotten a month after you die. A garage full of junk you once thought was priceless gets loaded up by your kids and taken to Hope’s Closet. No one will even remember your eye color without looking at a photo. That is how meaningless life is without an eternal purpose.

If you are thinking right now, “Well, I’m a Christian, so this doesn’t apply to me,” that could be true. But let me ask you this: What eternal impact are you making in this world? 

My grandparents were an inspiring example of what it means to live a life on purpose. When my grandfather was in college, he forfeited the opportunity to inherit and run my great-grandfather’s business, the Simpson Spring Bottling Company, right outside of Boston. Instead, he wanted to be a pilot. Unfortunately, he had to give up that dream because he was color-blind, and the regulations back then were very strict.

He became a Christian in college and pursued a career in ministry. Grandpa was a bivocational pastor who served in many churches over the years. He and Grandma were deeply involved in youth and children’s ministries. They loved water-skiing, and one of their favorite places was Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. I spent many weeks there with them in their little camper. They taught me how to play Uno, drive a boat and water-ski. Those are some of my fondest memories.

When Grandpa and Grandma retired from their last church, they did not end their call to ministry. Instead, they became house parents at Patrick Henry Boys Home for 15 years. During that time, they ministered to and loved dozens of boys—boys who needed love, stability and most importantly, Jesus. 

They cared for boys whose parents were in jail or trapped in addiction, those with behavioral issues their parents couldn’t manage and those who had never known what love looked like—until Mr. and Mrs. White stepped onto those front steps and showed them another way. 

My grandfather passed away a few months after (Pastor) Joby and I got married, 25 years ago. His death was sudden, and many boys from that boys’ home attended his funeral. The influence my grandparents had on those boys—and many others—was powerful and lasting. Many came to know Jesus because of their willingness to say yes to God’s call.

After their first retirement, my grandparents could have enjoyed a simple, peaceful life on Smith Mountain Lake—boating, water-skiing and relaxing. They had already lived a meaningful life with a significant kingdom impact. So why not?

Because they dedicated their lives to God, not to this world or its comforts. They understood they weren’t here to live a safe or easy life. Their ministry wasn’t over; it was just beginning. The ripple effect of their obedience broke generational curses and restored families.

What is God telling you to do? Where is God telling you to go? It might be one mile from your house or a thousand. But when God gives you a purpose and a calling, there is always a promise and a plan behind it.

It’s okay to enjoy the blessings God gives us in this world—water-skiing, boating, fishing, vacationing, hunting, golfing, whatever it may be. Enjoy them! But if those things become your idol—your purpose, your goal, your main desire, your path to happiness—you’ve missed the point. Don’t treasure the things that will wither and fade, the things left for your kids to divide and throw away after you’re gone. 

Matthew 6:19–21 says:

¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

How sad would it be if the only stories I had to tell of my grandparents were about my grandfather’s inheritance, how well they could water-ski or how nice their boat was? We were created for more than our golf handicap, tennis abilities or our kid’s successes. We have a purpose beyond what this world can offer. 

Ephesians 1:11–12 says:

¹¹ In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, ¹² so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) reminds us:

¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Sisters, don’t waste your life! Live for the greater purpose God has for you. Do not be afraid to step out and do the thing God has been nudging you to do. Remember, He never said this life would be easy—but He promised He would be with you every step of the way.

And remember, He will never lead you to something that goes against His will or His Word. 

So, moms working inside or outside of the home, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters, students, CEOs and everyone in between—pray for His direction, and then stop and listen for His voice. He will not lead you astray. 

Stay in the Word daily. You’ve dedicated this time for the past seven weeks; continue using it to seek His will for your life. Remember, you are never too old or too young to answer His call. 

God, thank You for the gift of life and all the wonderful blessings You give us. But thank You even more for the incredible gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live each day with purpose. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit and make the path You want us to take clear. Help us stay purpose-driven for eternity instead of focusing on the temporary things of this world. God, I pray that every woman will continue to deepen her personal relationship with You daily so she can hear You speak clearly into her life. Amen.