The One Thing That Leads to Longevity, Fulfillment, and Fruitfulness - According to Science and Scripture

Let’s be honest, life feels a little more tangled these days. Work spills into home. Rest feels like a luxury and most of us are just trying to do what matters, love well, and not burn out in the process.

We want to do more than just make it through. We want to live with clarity, make a difference, and leave something lasting behind. So when I came across a long-term study that revealed one key factor behind a longer, more fulfilling life, I wasn’t surprised.

The researchers studied people over the course of 27 years, and here’s what they found: the people who lived the longest and with the most joy were those who had a strong sense of purpose.

But Scripture said it long before science did.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”—Ephesians 2:10

Purpose isn’t a luxury; it’s part of God’s design.

God didn’t create us to drift or simply survive the day-to-day. From beginning to end, the Bible tells the story of a God who forms us intentionally (Psalm 139), equips us with unique gifts (1 Peter 4:10), and invites us to bring Him glory in every part of our lives (Colossians 3:23).

And now, science is catching up, confirming that purpose isn’t just spiritually meaningful, it’s physically life-giving.

When we align what we do with why we were created, something shifts. We stop living on autopilot. We become more engaged, more resilient, and more grounded.

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”—Proverbs 16:3

So how do we actually find that purpose?

In a world full of distractions, one of the most sacred things we can do is slow down and examine our hearts. Scripture invites us into this often for reflection, realignment, and recommitment (Psalm 139:23–24).

Below are eight questions to help you prayerfully explore your God-given purpose. Don’t rush through them. Sit with them. Journal. Pray. Revisit them over time. God is faithful to lead you.

1. What are your God-given gifts?

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” —Romans 12:6What comes naturally to you? What do others say you’re good at? Those gifts weren’t placed in you by accident. They’re part of how God wants to bless others through your life.

Learn what your spiritual gifts are here. Spiritual Gifts Survey

Mine are Shepherding, Prophecy and Mercy Showing.

Let me know yours in the comments!

2. What values has God written on your heart?

“Write them on the tablet of your heart.” —Proverbs 3:3What do you deeply believe in? When are you most proud of how you showed up? Your values help guide your purpose and staying true to them is a form of faithfulness.

3. What brings you holy joy?

“Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” —Psalm 37:4What lights you up in a way that feels right? God often places our purpose in the places that bring us joy, not fleeting pleasure, but deep, holy joy.

4. When have you felt most alive?

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” —John 10:10Think back to moments when you felt fully present and alive. What were you doing? Who were you serving? These glimpses often reveal how God wired you.

5. What has God taught you through pain and breakthrough?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials…” —James 1:2–4Your struggles are not wasted. Your testimony holds power. What you've walked through might be the very soil where your purpose grows.

6. What burden do you carry for the world?

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted…” —Isaiah 61:1What breaks your heart? What injustice, need, or longing do you notice again and again? Often, your calling is connected to what you can’t ignore.

7. What do people count on you for?

“Encourage one another and build each other up…” —1 Thessalonians 5:11What do others consistently come to you for guidance, comfort, clarity, hope? Sometimes our purpose is reflected back to us through community.

8. What would others say you were made to do?

“Let your light shine before others…” —Matthew 5:16What have people said over and over about you your strengths, your calling, your impact? God often uses the voices around us to confirm what He’s been speaking all along.

Walking in Purpose: The Invitation

Here’s the thing: Purpose isn’t something we hustle to earn. It’s something we receive from the One who created us.

Purpose is not just about doing more; it’s about doing what God designed you to do with joy, excellence, and dependence on Him.

It means asking God, day by day:“Lord, how can I honor You today with what You’ve entrusted to me?”

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding… and He will make your paths straight.”—Proverbs 3:5–6

So whether you’re leading a company, raising a family, serving behind the scenes, or figuring out your next step, know this:

You were made for something meaningful.

Your gifts matter.

And your life when lived in surrender to God will bear fruit that echoes into eternity.

Have questions? Feeling stuck or spiritually dry?

Let’s have a conversation. Schedule here.

Have you discovered your God-given purpose yet? Which of the 8 questions above speaks to you the most? I’d love to hear in the comments ⬇️