Power of Purpose in Pursuing Holiness

by Chel Garrison

“What is my purpose?” is a question I am sure many of us have asked more than once in our lifetime. Maybe a season of change or transition forced us to become introspective. Maybe a season of burnout has caused us to question if what we are doing is “even worth it.” We’re not meant to just go through the motions of life or to pursue personal gain—we’re called to live with a purpose that includes being set apart by a life marked with God's holiness.  

For many of us, when we hear the word “holiness,” it can feel like this vague target that is just out of our reach. We might think of it as attaining perfection or keeping a long list of rules, but holiness is truly being set apart by God, for God, with His path as our purpose. It’s about letting Him mold us to increasingly look more like Him than the world in everything we do. The Bible is clear about this calling: “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:16, NLT). This isn’t about trying to be perfect in our strength, rather, it’s about leaning into God’s grace and allowing Him to work in us. When we understand that holiness isn’t just part of what we do but completely about who we are becoming, it helps to align all parts of our work, recreation, relationships, and worship to His ways.  

Living with purpose and pursuing holiness are interconnected. When we understand that God created us with a plan, it transforms the way we live. We refuse to settle for anything less than what He has in store for us. The Bible states, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail” (Proverbs 19:21, NLT). This verse should bring us great comfort as believers because we know we don’t have to stress over figuring it out ourselves. We can lean into His Word and leading to help us not only reflect His Holiness but also live out His purpose in our daily lives.  Here are some practical ways to walk in both purpose and holiness: 

1. Be Immersed in the Word of God 

It’s hard to follow a map you never open and read; the same principle applies to God’s Word. We cannot know what it looks like to follow Him if we’re not hearing from Him regularly. Make it a habit to spend regular and consistent time in His Word and talking to Him in prayer. Ask Him to reveal His will to you through what you read and as you pray so that you can fully live His purpose for your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding and a heart to respond quickly and fully. 

Verse to Remember: 
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NLT) 

2. Obey God, Even When It’s Hard 

Holiness isn’t just about knowing what’s right—it’s about doing it. Sometimes, that means making hard choices and being uncomfortable or unpopular. It could also be walking away from a toxic relationship, resisting temptation, or standing up for what’s right, even when it costs you greatly.  But every step of obedience brings us closer to God’s purpose for our lives. We can trust that He is already present in the uncertain future. 

Verses to Remember: 

• “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” (James 1:22, NLT) 

• “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33, NLT) 

3. Love and Serve Others 

God’s purpose for us isn’t just about personal growth or a satisfying life—it’s about making an eternal impact on the lives of others. When we serve and love people as Jesus did, we reflect His holiness in powerful ways. That reflection can cause those around us to pause and consider what is different about us. When that happens, we become a living example of God’s grace and mercy that can draw others to Him. Living on purpose includes intentionally looking for ways to encourage, help, and support those around you. 

Verses to Remember: 

• “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” (Galatians 5:13, NLT) 

• “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35, NLT) 

For many of us who have walked with Jesus for years, these principles can seem like they are all the things we already know. Yet, as humans, we can often lose focus and stray. Intentionality is the decision to live according to your beliefs. As you look at your daily actions, do they align to reinforce what you say you believe? Is there evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life in deeper ways as you have grown and matured? 

I would challenge you this week to take a daily inventory of your habits, behaviors, and patterns to see where you need to allow the Holy Spirit to work. Before going to sleep take time to look back over your day. Begin with Psalm 139 as a prayer:  

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (vv. 23-24).

That practice is a way you can know you are choosing to pursue God’s purpose for your life. If you allow the Holy Spirit to reveal things to you … you will purposefully grow in holiness, and it will be evident.