Posted: February 15th, 2021

Living with Purpose: Integrating Faith, Work, and Community/kh6g

Finding Your Purpose: A Guide to Living with Intentionality

Instructor:
Be sure you respond to all five prompts and include all the sources you cite on a reference section at the end of this document. Consider how what you have learned throughout the course will impact your future. Explain how to find your purpose by answering the following questions. Include citations and references from the topic Resources.

Summarize the concept of missio Dei (missional purpose).
Your answer in 100-150 words:

The concept of missio Dei, or the “mission of God,” emphasizes that God is actively at work in the world to restore and redeem creation. This mission is not limited to the church but involves all of humanity participating in God’s redemptive plan. It shifts the focus from human-centered efforts to God-centered action, where individuals and communities align their purposes with God’s overarching mission. This perspective encourages believers to see their lives as part of a larger narrative of reconciliation and hope.

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 100-150 words:

Frederick Buechner famously stated that purpose is found at the intersection of your deep gladness and the world’s deep need. This means that true purpose emerges when personal passion meets a genuine need in the world. For instance, if you are passionate about education and see a need for literacy programs in underserved communities, your purpose might involve creating or supporting such initiatives. This concept aligns with a missional worldview because it encourages individuals to use their unique gifts and passions to contribute to the greater good, reflecting God’s love and care for the world.

Reflect on your beliefs about origins (creational purpose) and describe how those beliefs contribute to your understanding of human purpose.
Your answer in 100-150 words:

Beliefs about origins, such as the idea that humans are created in the image of God, shape the understanding of human purpose. If we believe that humans are intentionally designed with inherent dignity and value, it follows that our purpose involves reflecting God’s character through creativity, stewardship, and love. This perspective also emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation, highlighting the responsibility to care for the environment and one another.

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 100-150 words:

Jesus’s commandment to love God and love others as ourselves provides a clear framework for living with purpose. In the workplace, this can be demonstrated through acts of kindness, integrity, and service. For example, a manager might create a supportive environment that values employees’ well-being, or a colleague might go out of their way to help a teammate meet a deadline. Outside the workplace, this commandment can be lived out through volunteering, mentoring, or simply being present for friends and family in times of need.

Describe how your future career can be an opportunity to help others flourish, to be purposeful, and to do no harm.
Your answer in 100-150 words:

Your future career can be a platform for helping others flourish by aligning your work with your values and passions. For instance, if you pursue a career in healthcare, you can directly contribute to the well-being of patients by providing compassionate care. In a corporate setting, you might advocate for ethical practices that benefit both employees and the community. By focusing on purposeful work, you can create positive change while ensuring that your actions do not harm others or the environment.

References:

Wright, C. J. H. (2006). The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible’s Grand Narrative. InterVarsity Press.

Buechner, F. (1993). Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABC. HarperOne.

Study Topic: Living with Purpose: Aligning Passion, Mission, and Career

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