What Matters Most : Clarifying Your Values and Purpose

Introduction

In a noisy and fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Demands pull us in every direction, and if we’re not careful, we slip into autopilot — busy yet unfulfilled. Deep down, we know there’s more. We long for clarity and direction.

Jesus put it simply:

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

This is the starting point of values and purpose. When we clarify what matters most, we begin to live with intention, alignment, and peace. Values show us what matters; purpose shows us why it matters. Together, they provide a compass for living fully.

Today, let’s explore what values and purpose really are, why they matter, and how you can clarify them for your own life.

What Are Values and Purpose?

Values are the guiding principles that shape how we live. The fundamental beliefs and non-negotiables at the core of who we are. They’re the anchor and invisible compass influencing how we make choices, set priorities, and relate to others. Think of them as the roots of a tree: unseen but essential for strength and stability. They answer the question: What matters most to me?

Examples: faith, family, learning, growth, generosity, integrity.

Purpose is the why behind your existence—your God-given assignment. It answers the question: Why am I here? Purpose is bigger than a career or role; It’s not just about what you do, but who you are becoming and how you serve others for God’s glory. If values are the roots of a tree, purpose is the fruit of what your life produces and gives away.

Together, your values and purpose weave into every area of life. Using the 8 Dimensions of Wellbeing, here’s how they show up:

• Spiritual – Anchored in faith and obedience to God.
• Emotional – Guided by patience, love, and resilience.
• Intellectual – Shaped by curiosity, learning, and wisdom.
• Physical – Grounded in health, stewardship, and discipline.
• Social/Relational – Strengthened by honesty, compassion, and connection.
• Occupational – Directed by service, excellence, and growth.
• Financial – Built on generosity, integrity, and stewardship.
• Environmental – Influenced by order, beauty, and care for creation.

Your values and purpose are the threads that tie these dimensions together.

Why Are They Important?

• Without values, we drift. Decisions are made by pressure, convenience, or other people’s expectations. Boundaries blur, exhaustion grows, and fulfillment feels far away.
• With values, decisions become clear. You know what to say “yes” to and when to say “no.” Your priorities are steady even when the world shifts.
• Purpose fuels resilience. When storms hit, purpose becomes your anchor. It reminds you why you keep showing up and why your life matters. Purpose shifts your perspective from “what am I doing?” to “why does it matter?” and keeps you steady in every season of life.
• Alignment brings peace. Living according to your values creates freedom and clarity. Living out of step with them brings inner conflict and stress. And when those values flow into a clear sense of purpose, your days are marked not just by direction, but by meaning.

Think of values and purpose as the foundation of a house: without them, the structure wobbles; with them, it stands strong even in storms.

How Do You Clarify Them?

a. Pause, Pray, and Reflect
Slow down. Ask God to guide you. Reflect on moments when you felt most alive, fulfilled, or at peace. Ask: What do I want to be remembered for? What choices have I regretted, and why? These answers often point to hidden values already shaping your heart and hint at the kind of purpose God is calling you toward.

b. Identify Your Core Values
Write down words and themes that surface—faith, family, service, learning, health, etc.

c. Narrow Your List
Choose five to seven core values, then circle three non-negotiables. Turn them into statements:

• Faith: Seek God first in all things.
• Family: Be present and nurture with love.
• Growth: Commit to lifelong learning.

d. Test and Align
Do your daily rhythms reflect these values? If “health” is one, does it show up in how you eat, rest, or move? Hold your list up to Scripture—God’s Word is the final authority that keeps your values anchored in truth.

e. Live Them Out
Let your values be your compass. Revisit them when setting goals or entering new seasons. Over time, they will shape your confidence, direction, and peace.

f. Craft a Purpose Statement
Purpose flows from values. Once you’ve named what matters most, define the why. Keep it simple, clear, and memorable.
Example: “My purpose is to honor God by growing in faith, nurturing my family, and helping others flourish.”

g. Use Practical Tools

• Journal Prompts: What energized me this week? What drained me? What moments felt most aligned with my faith and calling?
• Values Inventory: Make two columns—What I say I value vs. How I live. Notice the gaps.
• Wheel of Life Reflection: Map the 8 dimensions of wellbeing. Where do your values already show up? Where is God inviting you to live with greater purpose

These practices don’t just clarify your values—they begin aligning your rhythms with your deeper purpose.

Reflection & Next Step

This is your starting soil. When values and purpose are clear, every decision—big or small—becomes easier to make. Peace, confidence, and alignment follow.

Simple Step for Today: Write down three values you want to intentionally carry into this season. Then craft one sentence about your purpose. Put them somewhere visible—your journal, a sticky note, or your phone’s screensaver. Let them guide your choices daily.

Next Month: We’ll build on this foundation by exploring alignment—what it means to live in step with what matters most, and how to notice when you’re out of sync.

Closing Thought

When your values are grounded in God and your purpose anchored in Him, you’ll never live by accident. Instead, you’ll live fully—with clarity, peace, and joy.