At some point in life, everyone asks, “What is my purpose in life?” While the exact words may differ, the sentiment is the same. We want to know why we are here and what we’re supposed to do.

As Christians, we know that humanity was created to give glory to God.

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

Genesis 1:26 (NIV)

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV)

However, Christians often ponder their purpose in Christ. It’s not that we don’t realize we’re here to glorify God. Instead, we can get caught up in what we call “Spiritual gifts.”

Although you might not use the term “Spiritual gift,” I think we all wonder about our “calling.” In other words, “What am I called to do as a Christian?” Again, we know we’re here to glorify God, but how do we do this?

During Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he gave us this insight:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (emphasis added).

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Regardless of your specific “calling” or role as a Christian, you are called to do “good deeds” so that those who are not Christians (unsaved) might see them and then “glorify your Father in heaven.” Consider what Paul wrote to the Ephesians:

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Although Paul was writing to Christians, Ephesians 2:10 also includes non-believers, for we were all created by God to do “good works” in Christ, which are there waiting for us.

Think about that for a moment.

If you are a Christian, you were created to do good works. If you are not a Christian, you were still created to do good works. This truth is evident in everyone wanting to be a “good person.” However, unless you are a Christian, you cannot do those good works you want to do, and you will never be the “good person” you hope to be. Why is that?

For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

Romans 7:18 (NIV)

Apart from God, there’s nothing good inside of us. Even Jesus recognized that apart from God, there’s no good inside of us.

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.”

Luke 18:19 (NIV)

Therefore, the “key” to doing good things is to be saved, because when we are saved, the Holy Spirit dwells in us.

You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.

Romans 8:9 (NIV)

Once you become a Christian, you receive your calling to do good things. As Paul reveals in Titus:

This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone (emphasis added).

Titus 3:8 (NIV)

Indeed, every Christian is called to do good works. By doing them, we will lead productive lives.

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Titus 3:14 (NIV)

Therefore, when it comes to Spiritual gifts, each gift has one overarching purpose:

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV)

Furthermore, when we consider the fruit of the Spirit, it’s evident that doing good works is in our “Spiritual DNA.”

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law (emphasis added).

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

Finally, most of us are familiar with Jesus’ promise in John 14:12:

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

John 14:12 (NIV)

To do these “greater things” Jesus said we would do, we must live lives dedicated to doing the “good” and not “greater things” we are called to do, thus fulfilling our purpose here on earth: to do good works so that God may be glorified.