When asked about her work for orphans and children in poverty, the normally upbeat Rose Wasike pauses as tears fill her eyes.

“My parents were very poor,” the director of Buckner Kenya Family Hope Centers says slowly. “I was the third child out of 11, and growing up I saw the problem and the power of poverty. My parents used to struggle a lot to (put) food on the table.”

She wipes her eyes and apologizes. Poverty makes her emotional. She knows what it’s like to grow up as the daughter of a subsistence farmer. Thinking about other children struggling through financial challenges compels her to action.

Her mission is simple: Shine hope in the lives of children by sharing the gospel and helping families attain self-sufficiency.

Many of us wish our lives had such clear purpose. We try to do what we sense is right. We try to grow in our walk with God daily. Yet, when pressed, how many of us can express our life’s calling in one sentence? Or even one paragraph? It can be difficult.

In Matthew 22, the Sadducees ask Jesus a question that may help each of us craft a purpose statement for ourselves. In an effort to trick him, they ask, “What is the greatest commandment?” His answer just happens to fit in a paragraph:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.” -Matthew 22:37-40

That sounds a lot like Rose. She loves the Lord passionately. Out of that love comes a deep passion for the hurting families around her. Naturally she wants to help.

Finding purpose in life begins with a relationship with Christ and what he says is most important. He is our anchor and redeemer. From there, all things flow. If you’re looking for life’s purpose today, try focusing on loving God and loving others. You might be surprised the calling you uncover.

Deeper reflection:
• What does it mean to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”?
• How can you do that today?

Next steps:
• Invest your life in a Bible study. Connect with other believers. Growth happens as we study Scripture and invest in the lives of others
• Look for ways God is working in your life this week. Discover ways you can love others.