Living Life God's Way: Unlocking Purpose, Impact, and Fulfillment in a Modern World
By Joel Dabbas
Life is a divine gift from God. In Genesis 2:7, we read, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” This breath of life is not merely physical existence—it is a sacred trust, a precious gift from the Creator Himself. No matter how powerful, connected and inventive you are, you cannot self-generate life. It must be given to you by God.
God designed life with purpose and intention, and whenever humanity deviates from His design, it grieves His heart.
In the early chapters of Genesis, we see this clearly. God expressed regret for making man because humanity misused the life He gave (Genesis 6:6). Similarly, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) illustrates God's displeasure when people live contrary to His order and holiness. Today, many live in ways that seem aligned with modernism and "the world’s standards," but are these truly in harmony with God’s purpose?
Characteristics of Modern Life: A Reflection
Modern life, often praised for its convenience and connectedness, carries with it patterns and values that can lead us away from God’s design. Here are some prevalent characteristics:
1. Living Loud Without Substance
Many prioritize appearances and noise over meaningful, lasting impact. The Apostle Paul warns against superficiality, urging believers in 2 Corinthians 12:9 to depend on God’s grace rather than human strength or image.
2. Living to Impress Others
Seeking validation from the world rather than God causes us to build our identity on shifting sands. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:1-2 that seeking the approval of men over God is vain and unrewarding.
3. Prioritizing Material Possessions
The love of money and accumulation of wealth often becomes a false measure of success (1 Timothy 6:10). True contentment comes from God, not possessions.
4. Constant Connectivity but Lack of Presence
Technology connects us like never before but often at the expense of genuine human relationships. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers not to neglect gathering together, emphasizing the value of real community.
5. Valuing Instant Gratification
Impatience and the demand for immediate results conflict with God’s timing and purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
6. Struggling with Mental Health
The pressures of modern life have led to widespread anxiety and stress. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring our anxieties to God in prayer for peace beyond understanding.
7. Influence of Social Media
Constant comparison with curated online lives often breeds dissatisfaction. Romans 12:2 instructs us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by renewing our minds in God’s truth.
8. Neglecting Self-Care
Ignoring physical, emotional, and spiritual health weakens our ability to serve God fully. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be cared for accordingly.
9. Living a Life of Wickedness
Many people today live in ways that defy God’s moral standards, engaging in sinful behaviors and lifestyles that bring harm to themselves and others. Psalm 1:1 warns, “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” God’s heart is grieved when His gift of life is misused through wickedness, leading to destruction rather than flourishing. The call of Scripture is clear—to turn from wickedness and embrace righteousness (Ezekiel 18:30-32).
10. Living an Empty Life
There are many who live lives of utter void and emptiness—no real substance within them. Listen, in every man there is a void only God can fill. In attempts to fill this emptiness, people turn to destructive paths: some seek relief in drugs and become addicted; others seek fulfillment in unhealthy relationships and fall into sex addiction. Some chase money, which stirs wickedness in their hearts; others pursue power through politics and become tyrants. Many turn to metaphysical and diabolic things, becoming witches or agents of darkness.
But Jesus offers living water—true satisfaction that no worldly thing can give. As recorded in John 7:37-38 (KJV):
“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
Isaiah also calls out to the thirsty in Isaiah 55:1-2 (NIV):
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."
Loneliness often disguises itself as emptiness. Joylessness is emptiness. Hopelessness is emptiness. Porn addiction is another manifestation of a void desperately seeking to be filled. I could go on naming them, but hear me, friend—Jesus can fill your void with His life. His presence satisfies the deepest hunger and quenches the fiercest thirst within your soul.
11. Life Lived in Confusion
We are living in a time where confusion has become the order of the day. Many are walking through life with no sense of direction, clarity, or identity. One of the highest heights of this confusion is when people begin to question even their God-given identity, including their sexual identity. The enemy has sown deep deception, and many are trapped in an identity crisis—unsure of who they are, why they exist, or where they are going.
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.” If confusion reigns, then it's not from God—it’s a sign of disorder and disconnection from His truth.
When people don't know who they are in God, they are vulnerable to every ideology, trend, or lie that society promotes. They redefine themselves based on culture rather than their Creator. But hear me: only the One who made you has the right to define you.
Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Your identity was crafted with intentionality. God doesn't make mistakes.
This confusion also leads to misdirection in purpose, relationships, and even eternity. Many are chasing after titles, roles, and lifestyles that God never assigned to them—all because they don’t know who they are in Him.
Confusion is not freedom—it is bondage dressed in modern language.
But Jesus said in John 8:32, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
God’s Design for Living: The Path to Fulfillment and Legacy
God’s plan for life goes beyond mere survival or success by worldly standards. It is a call to live intentionally, fully, and with eternal impact.
I. Live for His Glory
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our highest purpose is to honor God in all we do. This means making choices that reflect His character, showcasing His goodness to the world.
II. Live for Destiny
Jeremiah 29:11 assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Each life has a divine destiny. Seeking God’s guidance daily aligns us with His perfect plan.
III. Live for Impact
Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Living for impact means serving others with love and compassion, influencing lives positively.
IV. Life as a Blessing
Existence as a blessing is God's desire for man. Genesis 12:2 (KJV) says "and thou shalt be a blessing" God desires that you live as a blessing not as a negative lesson.
James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Life itself is a blessing. Living in gratitude not only honors God but opens our hearts to bless others generously.
V. Live in Obedience
“If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is a demonstration of our love and trust in God. It is through living according to His Word that we find true freedom and peace.
VI. Live with Integrity
Proverbs 10:9 declares, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.” Integrity is the foundation for a life that stands firm through trials and earns respect and trust.
VII. Live with Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:18 commands, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” A thankful heart transforms our perspective and keeps us focused on God’s faithfulness.
VIII. Live in Community
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to encourage one another and remain connected in fellowship for mutual growth.
Embracing God’s Design for 100% Performance in Time and Eternity
Life is too precious and too brief to settle for mediocrity. You were created for excellence, destined to make a lasting impact. Your dreams are seeds of a glorious future—plant them in faith, nurture them with prayer and action, and watch God bring them to fruition.
One of the most powerful steps you can take is to accept Jesus Christ and live in Him. Galatians 2:20 declares, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” This transformation redefines your identity and purpose. When you surrender to Jesus, your life is turned around from the inside out—empowered by His Spirit to live in alignment with God’s perfect plan.
By living in alignment with God’s design, you tap into a source of fulfillment and purpose that transcends the temporary and touches eternity. Your life becomes a testimony of His love and power—a legacy that honors Him and blesses generations.
Conclusion:
Choose today to live life God’s way. Embrace His purpose, walk in obedience, and live with gratitude and integrity. In doing so, you unlock the fullness of life—a life rich in meaning, impact, and divine fulfillment.