Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Discovering Your Purpose
Discovering Your Purpose
Discovering Your Purpose
© M. O. SALAMI
BY
Printed by:
Adesesan Graphic Press Ltd.
Off Asa Dam Road, Ilorin, Nigeria
0805-675-3560
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My utmost thanks go to the Almighty God
who has helped me, once again, to publish this
book.
I am also indebted to Pastor and Mummy D.
O. Adebiyi for their spiritual support at all times.
Equally important to me is Alhaji Mas'ud
Elelu, under whose leadership in the Polytechnic
as Rector, I have been able to carry out my
assignment without stress. Without a conducive
DEDICATION environment, this book would not have been
written.
To the glory of God who enabled me to Let me use this medium to also appreciate Dr.
discover my purpose in life and also (Mrs) M. O. Ajileye, who gladly assisted to proof
provided the avenues to fulfil the read the draft of this book and made useful
purpose.
suggestions. I am really grateful to her.
The preliminary work of typing and vetting
of the manuscript were done entirely by Mr.
Olayemi Olatomi and Mrs Grace Bankole,
supported by Mr. Joshua Olalekan and Mrs.
Oluwaseun Animashaun. Others are Mr. Fatai
Saka, Mr. Olajide Babalola and Julius Oloyede. I
continue to appreciate them for their loyalty and
good work at all times.
Finally, I want to commend my wife, Mrs.
Modupe Deborah and my children, Joshua, Grace,
Mercy and Peace, who are always behind the
scene, giving all necessary supports that have
contributed in the publication of this book.
God bless them abundantly.
iii iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS PART FIVE: PURPOSE DISCOVERERS IN
BIBLE PERIOD ... 37
Title Page ... ... i Moses ... ... 37
Dedication ... ... iii Esther ... ... 38
Acknowledgements ... ... iv Peter ... ... 39
Table of Contents ... ... v Paul ... ... 40
Preface ... ... vii
Foreword ... ... xi PART SIX: PURPOSE DISCOVERERS IN
CONTEMPORARY TIMES 42
PART ONE: WHAT IS LIFE? ... 1 Thomas Edison ... 42
Living Stage ... 2 Henry Ford ... ... 44
Futility of Life ... 2 Pele ... ... 46
Fulfilled Life ... 3 Jim Reeves ... ... 48
Perspectives of Life ... 5 Bola Are ... ... 51
PART TWO: THE SEARCH FOR PART SEVEN: FULFILLMENT OF
PURPOSE ... 9 PURPOSE ... ... 52
Different Possibilities ... 10 Spiritual Purpose ... 52
Purposeless Man ... 12 Mary Slessor ... 56
The Black Man ... 13
Secular Purpose ... 57
Dilemma of the Black Man 14
Ralph Waldo Emerson ... 59
PART THREE: THE PURPOSE OF LIFE 17 Personal Experience ... 61
Creation's Purpose ... 17 References ... 70
Primary Purpose ... 19
Secondary Purpose ... 19
The Meeting Point ... 20
v vi
PREFACE who became a faithful companion of
Apostle Paul in ministry knew the Holy
Rick Warren said: “If you're alive, Scriptures from childhood which guided
there's a purpose for your life”. Yes, that him into his purpose in life (II Timothy
is very true. The question everyone 3:15; Acts 16:1-3).
having an opportunity to live should ask David, before he became a king, was
are: “What should I be using my life to an accomplished instrumentalist as a
do?”, “Why am I in the world?”, “What youth. He could sing and play well. The
Scripture described David as a “cunning
should I live my life for?” An honest
player on an harp” (I Samuel 16:16-18).
personal answer to these simple
David was so successful in musicology
questions will guide you to know the
that whenever evil spirit was upon King
purpose of your existence.
Saul and he played on his harp, he was
There are three stages in life namely:
refreshed, became well and the evil spirit
Childhood, Youth and Adulthood. Only
departed from his life (I Samuel 16:23).
very few people discover their purpose in
David was also described as “the sweet
life during childhood, few do when they Psalmist of Israel (II Samuel 23:1). In
are youth, and some do at adulthood. addition, David was going to be a warrior.
Many will regrettably do after they have This aspect of his life was showing when
left this planet earth. he defended the sheep of his father
Samuel was reported to have against the attack of lion and bear. He
ministered before the Lord “being a also manifested this trait when he opted
child”, girded with a linen ephod (I to challenge Goliath of Gath. As a youth
Samuel 2:18). Samuel grew to become a also, he found himself in the palace as
great and mighty Priest, Prophet and the Armour Bearer of King Saul and later
Judge in Israel. Joash and Josiah the captain of his army. All these
became kings in Jerusalem at the age of occurrences were not accidentals but
seven and eight respectively. The pointers to David's purpose in life as a
Scriptures testified that both Kings did potential military man. (I Sam 17:34-35,
that which was right in the sight of the 50 – 51, 18:5,13, II Sam 16:21). Joseph
Lord. While Joash reigned for forty- and Daniel were young men when they
years, Josiah did for thirty one years. (II discovered God had a purpose for them
Chronicles 24:1-2; 34:1-12). Timothy
vii viii
to fulfill in the government of their days. purpose in life but also show you how to
Timothy, as a youth had an fulfil it.
unambiguous ministry. Apostle Paul May you not be lost in the crowd.
counselled him not to allow his May you not be a spectator in the field of
youthfulness to affect him through life. May your life be purposeful,
unwholesome character. He should be satisfying, and fulfilling. Amen
an example of the believers (I Timothy The book is divided into seven
4:12-16). chapters viz: from an examination of
Finally, many of the people who what life is and human search for the
served God in the Scripture discovered reason for his existence, the purpose of
their purpose in life when they were life, how to discover your purpose,
adults. Examples include Moses different personalities who had
(Exodus 2:10), Amos (Amos 7:14-15), discovered the purpose for their
Peter (Luke 5:8-11). Barnabas and Saul existence, and how your purpose in life
(Paul) (Acts 13:2-3). When a person fails can be fulfilled when discovered. It is the
to discover his purpose on earth, he fervent prayer of the author that readers
discovers it with eternal regrets in the will be able to discover their purpose for
great beyond. The rich man was that living and fulfil it. Amen
kind of a person. Although he was great
in riches while on earth, he never M. O. Salami November,2015
discovered that he was to serve with his
riches. By the time he did, it was already
too late. (Luke 16:19-26). May you not
discover your purpose in life when it is
too late. Part of the purpose he was
meant to serve with his wealth was to
alleviate the poor condition of Lazarus.
My goal in this book, therefore, is for
you to discover your purpose in life early
enough so that you can have ample
opportunity and time to fulfil it. This
book will certainly inspire, guide and
motivate you not only to discover your
ix x
FOREWORD In chapter 1 of this piece, we are
confronted with the undisputable fact that
I have known Mr. Salami since 1993, of the three stages of life of man, only one
when I worked as a Lecturer, Department is within his control 'the living stage'. How
of Legal Studies, Kwara State Polytechnic. he chooses to manage this stage
He has always appeared to me as a man of determines how and by what he will be
purpose and clear vision and I am grateful remembered.
he has decided to share his wealth of
experience at this very critical time. We know as chapter 2 helps us realize,
that the search for purpose in the wrong
Peeved and distressed by the seeming places can lead only to futility and vanity.
meaninglessness of life, pressed on every
side by overwhelming vicissitudes, many By chapter 3 of this Book, the writer using
have taken their lives, some resigned to the analogy of four trees shows the value
fate, while the teeming younger generation of life and the premium that should be
have turned to diverse opiates, seeking placed thereon.
some sort of fulfillment.
Apart from unearthing, what life is, its
A discovery of the purpose for living is a purpose and how to discover same, this
sure panacea for almost all challenges book in its chapter 4,5 and 6, gives us an
that bedevil the society, including account of ordinary people from Biblical,
depression, insecurity, insurgency and old and contemporary times, who upon a
indeed corruption. As no one who has discovery of the purpose of their lives as
grasped the true meaning of life and has individuals changed the course of the
discovered his/her purpose will take to world for good. Thus, inspiring us to make
any form of vice or be sunken in a decision for greatness, by embarking on
depression. that voyage of discovery that will lead us to
the realization of the purpose of our lives
Surely, there is no paucity of inspirational
literary materials on Life in the context of as individuals.
purpose. However, the author, M.O. Insightful, Inspirational, Spiritual, and
Salami, has brilliantly married the Holistic, I commend this book to you.
principles of discovering life's purpose
with the practical aspect thereof, thus CHIEF DR KAYODE OLATOKE, SAN, FCIArb
bridging the once widening lacuna. PRINCIPAL COUNSEL,
KAYODE OLATOKE & CO.
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Discovering Your Purpose for Living Discovering Your Purpose for Living
LIVING STAGE
PART As indicated above, of the three
stages of existence, the living stage is the
ONE most vital. Why?
- It is the period when you can make
or mar the very essence of y o u r
WHAT IS LIFE?
existence
Life is an existence. Life begins at - It is the opportuned time you
birth and ends at death. There are three determine your destiny or
major periods/stages in life, namely: eternity
Birth, Living and Death. Of the three - It is the time when you are privileged
stages, the most critical and crucial is to add value to the world or corrupt
the living stage. Why? Before we answer it.
the question, let us first discuss briefly
the two stages of life viz: Birth and Death. Every one born into the world has
The Birth stage is the time we came been given the chance to live. What he
into the world physically through our or she does with that only one life is what
mother. No person has power to is most important to him or her. What
determine his birth. It all has to do with then are you living for? How do you want
the prerogative of God. For instance, to be remembered? What do you want to
nobody can determine the choice of his be remembered for?
parent, period, race, gender or colour of
skin. Birth is the beginning of the FUTILITY OF LIFE
human life. The statement, “Life is futile” or “The
The Death stage is the concluding futility of life” is not uncommon to many
part of the human life on earth. Just like readers of this book. Futility refers to
birth, nobody has power on the period or uselessness as a consequence of having
day, the place and hour of his death. no practical result. Therefore, to those
Death is also the prerogative of God, the who say that life is futile, they mean life
Creator. He gives life and takes it again is useless because it has no practical
at will. result. The same idea might have been
expressed by King Solomon, after failing
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iv. He cannot attain his full potentials upon with suspicion, disdain and
and be of maximum benefit to distrust. It is unfortunate to state that
humanity. an average white man still looks down on
v. He will never be fulfilled and the black with suspicion and distrust
satisfied in that which he is doing today, especially when he sees him in
Europe or America. Nevertheless, the
vi. He loses focus and direction in life.
black man encouraged himself in the
In fact, he will never have any since
fact that he has received a better look
he is always depending on others to
determine what to do. from the sun shining on him with its
radiance and glory. He said proudly:
vii. He becomes an echo instead of a “……..because the sun hath looked upon
voice. me….” (Song of Solomon 1:6). The black
man should always remember that
THE BLACK MAN nature is proud of him hence is always
When we were in primary school, over “looking at him”. There is no reason for
five decades ago, we were told of what the black man to exhibit inferiority
was said by James Aggrey. He declared: complex.
“I am black and proud. He who is not
proud of his colour is not fit to live” DILEMMA OF THE BLACK MAN
Himself was a Blackman, born on 18th
October, 1875 in the Gold Coast (Ghana). The black man in our Scriptural
He died on 30th July, 1927. Before his passage observed that his siblings were
death, he was an intellectual, angry with him. Why? Because,
missionary and teacher. according to him, “…..they made me the
Solomon wrote in his book regarding keeper of the vineyards, but mine own
a man who said “ I am black, but vineyard have I not kept” (The Song of
comely… as the tents of Kedar, as the Solomon 1:6)
curtains of Solomon” (The Song of There is somebody who has
Solomon 1:5). Despite the self discovered his purpose in life. He was
confidence of the black man in the colour therefore committed to fulfilling that
of his skin, like James Aggrey and purpose. However, the black man who
Marthin Luther Jnr, he was faced with a seems not to have discovered his own
great challenge of being looked down purpose in life was drawn to help fulfil
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Discovering Your Purpose for Living Discovering Your Purpose for Living
the purpose of that other man who has a of question that should be asked by
vineyard. The ignorance and pitiable anybody who realizes he has been
condition of the black man will be better fulfilling other people's purpose in life.
appreciated when he submitted to the Everybody needs to come to that
purposeful man thus: “Draw me, will run consciousness, self awareness and
after thee: the king hath brought me into realization in order to fulfil his God's
is chambers we will be glad and rejoice in ordained purpose in life.
thee…” (Song of Solomon 1:4)
The question is- whose dream are you
fulfilling? Whose work are you doing?
Whose purposes are you accomplishing?
Until somebody understands and his
eyes are enlightened like that of Jacob in
the house of Laban, he will think he is
having the best of life and making a good
living. The black man, although he has
his own vineyard, he was not able to
keep it.
Jacob in the house of Laban had two
wives, twelve children and several cattle.
However, when his understanding
was enlightened, it dawned on him that
he had been under servitude. He
specifically realized that Laban, his
father in-law, had not been fair to him
despite the fact that he had served
Laban faithfully and diligently. (Gen
31:6) Unfortunately, according to Jacob,
Laban had deceived him and changed
his wages ten times (Gen. 31:7)
The searching question of Jacob was
“…..and now when shall I provide for
mine own house also?” That is the kind
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ESTHER
PURPOSE DISCOVERERS IN Through divine and miraculous
BIBLE PERIOD circumstances, Esther emerged as the
wife of king Ahasuerus. To a young lady
The Scriptures contain several
who had lost both parents at a tender
examples of personalities who
age, that was a great and unique
discovered their purposes for living while
accomplishment. She could have
on the earth. A few of them are
thought that the purpose of her creation
discussed below: had been fulfilled.
To Mordecai, being addressed as the
MOSES uncle of the First Lady in Shushan was a
Moses was an accomplished shepherd in secondary purpose of Esther's existence.
the land of Median. He could have Esther almost missed the primary
regarded cattle rearing as his primary purpose of her elevation to the
purpose in life. However, at the backside prestigious position of a queen. However,
of the desert in Horeb, God made him to Mordecai was fast in drawing her
realize that he had a higher purpose for attention to it. He asked her: “… and who
his existence. This primary purpose was knoweth whether thou art come to the
to lead the people of Israel out of the kingdom for such a time as this? (Esther
Egyptian bondage to the promised land 4:14).
of Canaan (Exodus 3:1-2,10). Initially, Esther probably thought
Before Moses had this encounter, that her elevation to the position of First
he observed the secondary purpose of Lady means fine and latest dresses,
his life in the palace of Egypt, the eating delicious and sumptuous food
intellectual citadel of learning in Egypt and living a pleasurable life. However,
and later in the shepherding of Jethro's Mordecai awoke her senses to the fact
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Discovering Your Purpose for Living Discovering Your Purpose for Living
that she was in the Palace of Shushan as him to realize that “….from henceforth,
a deliverer of the Jews. To do this, she thou shalt catch men”. (Luke 5:10).
had to pray hard, fast and manifest It is interesting and heartwarming
courageous faith of approaching the to observe that on hearing this
king without being invited. statement of Jesus, Peter and his
In fulfilling the primary purpose, companions abandoned the secondary
Esther became an instrument used by purpose of fishing on the sea to follow
God to deliver all the Jews from sudden Jesus in order to become fishers of men.
death, elevation of Mordecai and That was the primary purpose of their
conversion of many indigenes of lives.
Shushan to become Jews (Esther 8:15-17)
PAUL
PETER By all standards, Paul was an
Before Peter had an encounter with accomplished personality in both
Jesus, he was a Fisherman with his secular and religious spheres of life. He
brother Andrew. The two brothers were was a barrister who had his legal
always with their father spreading their training under Gamaliel. In religion, he
nets into the sea for fishing. Peter was was a Pharisee, very zealous to the point
satisfied with his career of fishing until of fanaticism. Ordinarily, one would
he encountered Jesus by the lake of want to consider his legal profession as
Gennesaret. After Jesus had surprised the purpose of his existence.
them by the miraculous in close of a However, while travelling to
great multitude of fishes to the point of Damascus in furtherance of his objective
their net breaking, Peter became of persecuting the Christians, God
conscious of his limitation and arrested him in a miraculous
sinfulness. circumstance and saved him.
Having succeeded in arresting his Thereafter, Ananias was sent to go and
attention, Jesus then disclosed to him pray for Paul so that he could receive his
the primary purpose of his existence. sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Although he had been fully occupied in In addition, God revealed to Ananias the
the fishing career before, Jesus made primary purpose which Paul was to fulfil
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THOMAS EDISON
Thomas Alvan Edison was born on
11th February, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. As a
child, he loved reading and also liked to
make experiments in the basement.
At the age of 12, he sold fruits,
snacks and newspaper on a train as a
“news butcher”. He printed his own
newspaper, the Grand Trunk Herald, on
a morning train.
When Thomas was 15, he roamed
the country as a “tramp telegrapher”.
He used an alphabet called Morse Code
to send and receive messages over the
telegraph. For an upward of three years,
he worked all night taking messages for
trains and the Union Army during the
Cold War.
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“motor cars” what they are today. In 1903, Henry Ford established the
Precisely, he created the Ford Model T Ford Motor Company after a few trials
car in 1908 and developed the assembly building cars and companies. The
which revolutionized the industry. Model T was introduced in October,
Consequently, Ford sold millions of cars 1908 and remained for several years in
which made it to become a world-famous the market with 100 per cent gains.
company head. Furthermore, in 1914, Henry
Ford was considered as one of the sponsored the development of the
leading American businessmen. He was moving assembly line technique of mass
also credited to have helped build production. He also introduced the $5
American's economy during the early per day way and $110 in -12011 in order
years of depression. to keep the best workers loyal to his
Henry Ford was born on 30th July company. Because of its simplicity to
1863, in Wayne County near Dearborn, drive and cheapness, it was reported
Michigan. When he was 13 years old, that half of the cars in America in 1918
his father gave him a pocket watch were model T's.
which he dismantled and reassembled. Henry Ford was an ardent pacifist.
Impressed by friends and neighbours, He opposed World War I and funded a
they gave him their timepieces to fix for
peace ship to Europe. In 1936, he and
them.
his family established the Ford
At the age of 16, he left the farm
Foundation to provide grants for
work at home not finding fulfillment in it.
research, education and development.
He then became an apprentice as a
machinist in Detroit. Thereafter, he
learned how to skillfully operate and PELE
service stream engines. He also studied Edson Arantes do Nascimento,
bookkeeping. popularly known as Pele, was a member
After Henry's marriage in 1888, he of three Brazillian World Cup-Champion
was hired as an engineer in 1891 for the teams. He was considered by many to be
Edison illuminating Company in 1893. the greatest soccer player of all time. To
Due to his natural talent, he was many, Pele's accomplishments on the
promoted to be Chief Engineer. soccer field will never be equaled.
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Discovering Your Purpose for Living Discovering Your Purpose for Living
rd
Born on 23 October, 1940 in Tres It was reported that in the late
Coracoes, Brazil, Pele was referred to as 1960s the two factions involved in the
a Superstar, a global ambassador for Nigerian Civil War agreed to a 48 – hour
soccer and a national football treasure cease fire in order to watch Pele play in
for his country. In 1978, Pele was an exhibition in Lagos.
honoured with the International Peace During the 1970 World Corp, in
Award for his work with UNICEF. He Mexico, Pele scored four goals to give
also served as Brazil's extraordinary Brazil a 4 – 1 victory over Italy. Although
Minister for Sport and United Nations he announced his retirement from
ambassador for ecology and the soccer in 1974, it was not until 1977 that
environment. he finally bowed out. He played his final
How did Pele recognize he has a game in an exhibition between New York
purpose to fulfil in the career of soccer?
and Santos in October, 1977. Pele was
Right from childhood, he developed
reported to have scored a total of 1,281
a rudimentary talent for soccer by
goals in 1,363 games during his life
kicking, rolled-up stuffed with rags
around the streets. career in soccer.
At age 15, a Brazilian national No doubt Pele achieved a definite
soccer team, De Brito noticing Pele's purpose in the field of soccer. He will
talent, convinced Pele's family to leave never be forgotten in that career while
home to join the Santos professional this world lasts.
soccer club. By this time, he was
already a member of a youth squad JIM REEVES
coached by Waldemar De Brito. Before Jim Reeves was an American Pop
he was 16 years old, he scored his first
Singer. He was born on 20th, August,
professional goal, led the league in goals
and was recruited to play for the 1923 and raised in Galloway Texas. His
Brazillian National Team. father died when he was ten months old.
In 1958, Pele was introduced to the His mother who had nine children, was
World Cup in Sweden where he forced to farm to raise the family. At the
displayed remarkable talent of speed, age of five, Jim was given a guitar after
athleticism and field vision. listening to the country music of Jimmie
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Rodgers. By the time he was 12 years old 'll have to Go” 1960, “Adios Amigo” in
he was already involved in Radio music 1962 “Welcome to My World” in 1964
show. and “I Guess I'm Crazy” in1964.
Quiet apart from music, Jim was Before Jim Reeves suffered a plane
also a talented athlete during his teens. crash outside of Nashville on 31st July
He wanted to pursue a career in baseball. 1964, at Davidson Country, Tennesse,
Next he enrolled at the University of United States, he came to realize he had
Texas to study speech and drama. He a higher purpose in life than just using
dropped this after six weeks to work at his talent to entertain his fans and make
the shipyards in Houston. as much money as he could. The higher
Furthermore, Jim went through a purpose was demonstrated from the
number of blue-collar jobs while trying type of songs he was using his talents to
to decide on a profession and purpose for sing thereafter. These include “Jingle
his life. Therefore going from singing to Bells” “Blue Christmas” “White
broadcasting, Jim was a disc jockey and Christmas” “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
newscaster. “Oh Come all Ye Faithful” and “Silent
The deciding event came up in 1952 Night”
when Hark Williams failed to appear for
His other Gospel Songs include: “This
a show giving Jim Reeves the
world is Not My Home”
opportunity to perform in his stead. His
performance was so enthusiastically “I'll Fly Away”, “Whispering Hope,” “An
received that Abott Records immediately Evening Prayer”, “Take My Hand
signed him to a record contract. That Precious Lord”, “Where We'll Never Grow
was the deciding factor that helped to Old”, “A Beautiful Life”, “In the Garden”,
determine his purpose. From this point “God Be with you”, “May the Good Lord
onward, he became an accomplished Bless and Keep You”, “It is No Secret”
Pop country singer. Some of his country “Oh Gentle Shepherd”, “I'd Rather Have
classical records include “Four Walls” in Jesus”, “How Long Has Been”, “Have
1957, “Anna Marie” in 1958, “Blue Boy” Thine Own Way” “Where do I go from
also in 1958, “Billy Bayon” in 1959, “He Here” and “Teach Me How to Pray”
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BOLA ARE
Bola Are discovered the purpose of PART
her life as a child. According to her, she
was born with music and this was
SEVEN
known to everyone in her family. She
said they knew that she was going to be a
singer and an evangelist. She added FULFILLMENT OF PURPOSE
that Apostle Joseph Babalola had even It is necessary to ensure that
prophesied that she was going to be a purposes are logically pursued and fully
singer. Her conclusion therefore was
accomplished while on earth. Different
that God created her mainly to speak to
areas where such divine purpose could
the people through music.
be fulfilled are described below:
Bola Are was born in Erio-Ekiti,
Ekiti State, Nigeria on 1st October, 1954
SPIRITUAL PURPOSE
and had produced not less than 62
albums. She had also released several Spiritual purpose is related to God,
others in the video format. She served heaven and that which is spiritual.
as President of Gospel Musician Spiritual purpose goes beyond man's
Association of Nigeria (GOMAN) for over selfish goals and aspirations in life. It is
five years. a purpose that is higher, deeper and
wider in length and breadth than what
man can fathom by his human mind.
There is the need, therefore, for man to
seek God's face in order to identify that
purpose.
There are different vehicles,
instruments and means through which
spiritual purpose could be accomplished.
These are briefly discussed below:
i. The Ministry: The Scriptures spoke
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about those who are Apostles, Serving God in these different divisions
Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and of the church helps a Christian fulfil his
Teachers (Ephesians 4:11). It is purpose in life.
only God who calls some people into
iv) Soul Winning. A soul winner is an
these ministries to fulfill His
individual believer who is
purpose for their lives.
proclaiming the saving grace of
ii. Church Leadership. We have Jesus Christ through the gospel.
Deacons/Deaconesses and Elders The soul winner does not need any
in the Church. Although they are formal education/training/
not the principal ministers, they commissioning or enlistment as a
give spiritual and physical support worker to persuade a sinner to be
to the main ministers to enhance saved. All that the soul winner
their spiritual efficiency and requires is his heart boiling with
effectiveness. passion, his mouth open to
iii. The Workforce. There are different preach, his hand stretch out to
segments and arms of work in God's distribute tracts and spiritual
vineyard. Such departments literature and legs to move round.
include: The Great Commission is for all
to carry out. (Matt 28:19-20; Mk
- Children 16:15-16).
- Youth v) The Ministry of Intercession. It is
- Campus instructive to note that A n n a , a
- Adult widow of 84 years of age, never
departed from the temple but was
- Choir
serving God with fasting and
- Ushering prayers night and day. (Luke 2:36-
- Sanitation 37). Yes, it is a way to fulfil the
purpose of God if we give ourselves
- Interpretation
to scriptural prayers and
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fasting for the salvation of souls and treatment of the sick. In doing this,
the rescue of the lives of those who beneficiaries are brought face to
are bound by the power of Satan in face with the gospel of salvation.
sin, sickness sorrow, suffering and This happened through the love and
servitude. passion which Christ displayed
V) The Ministry of Giving. Givers are towards the students and patients
encouraged to do it with simplicity. by the Christian T e a c h e r s a n d
(Romans 12:8). They are also Christian Medical Personnel. In the
process, many souls have been
admonished not to be weary in
converted and became soul winners
well doing but continue to do good
themselves.
unto all men especially those who
are of the household of faith
MARY SLESSOR
(Galatians 6:9-10).
vii) Supportive Services. Many may not Mary Slessor was born on 2nd
be able to appear on the Altar, December, 1848 in a city of Aberdeen
Scotland. She was the second of a family
Podium or stand by the pulpit to
of seven children. When she was 28
minister to the congregation but
years old, Mary took the vow to
their services are nevertheless very
consecrate her whole life to serve God in
vital. They include church drivers,
the West Coast of Africa regarded as the
cleaners of church and its
“white man's grave”. The place was
environment, electricians, satellite/
called Calabar in Nigeria where Mary
electronic workers et cetera
served under the Untied Presbyterian
Indeed the role of such services are
Church.
playing in the salvation of many
Mary Slessor, the “White Queen of
lives cannot be overemphasized.
Calabar“ as she was popularly called,
viii) Social Services. The early was a successful nurse in her country
missionaries established schools, under the Scottish Presbyterian Mission.
hospitals, Leprosaria et cetera for When she came to Calabar in the
the training of pupils, students and Eastern part of Nigeria as a Missionary,
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she used the nursing profession to fulfill ends meet, to keep body and soul
God's purpose in her life. She did this by together and to maintain a decent living.
launching a successful attack against In other words, “secular purpose” is
the barbaric and obnoxious practices of concerned with choosing a career or
twin killing, human sacrifices, professional in order to make a living.
cannibalism, domestic slavery and trial In secular purpose, the
by ordeal. considerations include:
Similarly, she built simple churches, - Personal interest
established schools in the villages and - Personal Prestige
treated the sick in the hospitals - Fabulous earning
established by the Presbyterian Mission. - Fame and popularity
Consequently, while attending to the - Personal ambition
sick, she was drawing attention of her - Aspiration to the peak of career
patients and social services beneficiaries - Making a name
to Christ. Mary Slessor understood her
calling and fulfilled the purpose of her The following areas of secular
calling using her nursing profession to endeavours can be mentioned:
enhance it. Mary Slessor died on 13th * Civil/Public Service: There are
January, 1915. people who take-up government
jobs as civil or public servants.
SECULAR PURPOSE Depending on the type and level
The word secular relates to the of certificate at the point of entry,
practice that rejects religion and they can reach the peak of the
religious considerations. Since religion career as Permanent Secretary.
is connected with that which is eternal, * Academic Institution/Parastatals:
spiritual and heavenly, secular relates to There are two main branches of
that which is temporal, physical and employment in the tertiary
earthly. institution viz academic and n o n -
In speaking about secular purpose academic. For those in the academic,
therefore, the focus is on how to make they can attain the peak of their
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Discovering Your Purpose for Living Discovering Your Purpose for Living
and Economics. The academic iii) I had the best result, graduating as
programme organised by the Kwara the best over-all student in
State College of Technology, School of Religious Studies in 1985.
Basic Studies, was in collaboration with
Further discoveries that I made
the Cambridge University Examination
after my H.S.C and University education
Syndicate, United Kingdom. While I
were as follows:
scored “D”, “D” grades in Government
and Economics, I had “B” grade in C.R S. i) I enjoyed writing. A lecturer once
The question was: what did I want to do commented on my writing ability
with my life thus: “You are a prolific Writer”
i) I wanted to study Law ii) I made a compilation of my
personally composed songs and
ii) I wanted to study Education
typed out a w o r k t i t l e d : “ T h e
iii) I wanted to study Mass Reality of Miracle”, to record the
Communication testimony of my surprise
As God would have it, I never admission into the University after
secured admission for Law in 1979, three unsuccessful attempts.
missed the admissions for Education or iii) I developed special interest to be a
Mass communication in 1980 and 1981. lecturer.
With these unpleasant experiences, I
Still being guided by divine
resolved to apply for B. A. Religious
providence, I was employed as a lecturer
Studies at the premier University, the
in the Kwara State College of Technology
University of Ibadan. As things turned
(School of Basic Studies), Ilorin in 1987.
out, Religious Studies became the best
I loved and enjoyed the lecturing work.
course I could study. Why?
However, I could only do it fully between
i) I loved and enjoyed all the courses 1987 and 1992 rising from the post of
that make the Religious Studies Assistant Lecturer to Lecturer II. In
ii) My highest score of 94% was in one 1988, my first book titled: “Sure and
of the compulsory courses in Sound Success”, was published. It was
Religious Studies which was a 71 page book printed by Oyinwola
Hebrew Language Printing Works, Ilorin.
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Discovering Your Purpose for Living Discovering Your Purpose for Living
without adequate knowledge of the viii) Discovering your Purpose for Living
rudiments of music could not take me - 2015
far in fulfilling God's purpose for my life ix) Success Secrets of Great Achievers
through Music. Therefore, I have to look - 2015
for God's purpose elsewhere.
While I enjoyed my present job as On the spiritual platform, service to
the Chief Administrative Officer God has continued simultaneously with
(Registrar and the Secretary to the secular work. Consequently, I had
Governing Council), I see my purpose for served as a Co-ordinator or Pastor in
living being fulfilled in two ways. some district churches and at present
serving as a Group Pastor, all in Ilorin
i) Lecturing, though on part time Region of Deeper Life Bible Church,
basis, at IBTC, Ibadan Ilorin, Kwara State.
ii) Expressing my writing ability As God guides, I hope to continue to
through book publishing. So far, I lecture whenever God provides an
have published the following opportunity and settle down to write
books:- more books by the time I retire from
active government service. Of course,
i) Sure and Sound Success - 1988 the work God which has been part and
ii) The Man Samuel Adeyemi Oladosu: parcel of my life continues to be done.
A decade of selfless service to Through these ways, I hope to continue
humanity - 1998 to fulfil the purpose of God for my life.
The big question is: How are you
iii) Christian Missions in West Africa – fulfilling God's purpose for your own life?
2001 Against the foregoing background, I
iv) Topical Issues in Biblical Studies – enjoin you to do the following in order to
2003 discover and fulfil your purpose in life
v) Developing a Career in the Registry - Start doing something about your
of a Tertiary Institution – 2012 discovery without further delay
vi) K w a r a S t a t e P o l y t e c h n i c i n or procrastination.
Historical Perspective – 2010 - Volunteer in your church or
community to contribute to its
vii) How to Stand Out – 2015
needs with what you have.
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