Wednesday Wisdom | You Matter

Do you know your life matters deeply to God and to the world He’s placed you in? Yes, you matter.

Each of us carry a unique purpose that isn’t fabricated by our ambition, but formed by our Creator.

As I’ve been on this current journey of transformation and walking through this present period of transition, I’ve taken the opportunity to explore some different ways of being in the world.

During my exploration, I stumbled across the ancient Japanese practice of ikigai.

Ikigai roughly translates to “reason for being.” It’s the thing that gets you up in the morning. It is a a beautiful concept that offers a pathway to living a deeply fulfilling and meaningful life. Ikigai centers around the intersection of four key elements:

1. What you love (passion).
2. What you’re good at (vocation).
3. What the world needs (mission).
4. What you can get paid for (profession).

Ikigai doesn’t mean chasing grand ambitions. It is found in simple pleasures like morning coffee, a daily walk, or the joy of helping a neighbor. Fulfillment rests in ordinary, consistent pleasures. In a world that magnifies busyness and speed, ikigai gently reminds us to slow down. It reminds us to pause and reflect. It encourages us to experience the moments of our life by learning to lube from the center and not just react to the edges. Are we fully present in the moment or are we kind of there, but really elsewhere?

Ikigai flourishes in the subtle thread that connects our passions, our gifts, the needs of the world, and the work that puts food on your table. It is the soul-level sense that our life matters. It strengthens our confidence through recognizing our presence, our breath, our efforts aren’t wasted.

The good news is that this ancient Japanese practice isn’t at odds with our Christian faith. As a believer in Christ and follower of Jesus, you have a God-given purpose. Ikigai can help you identify it.

The wisdom of ikigai—living with purpose, intention, and joy—resonates deeply with several biblical truths. Scripture is rich with parallel themes that affirm our God-given calling, value, and the meaning behind our daily lives.

Here are five key biblical insights that echo the heart of ikigai:

1. We Were Created with Purpose

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

At the core of ikigai is the idea that our life matters and has purpose. The Bible affirms this: We were handcrafted by God with intentionality and placed here for a reason. We each have a reason for being.

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2. God Delights in Our Gifts and Passions

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10 NIV

Our talents and passions aren’t accidents. They are an invitation to serve others. Whether it’s through painting, leading, teaching, fixing, or encouraging, each of those gifts are part of our ikigai and our kingdom calling.

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3. Work and Calling Are Sacred

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23 NIV

In both Scripture and ikigai, there’s a sense that even ordinary work is holy when done with the right heart. God is present in our professions, not just during our prayer time.

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4. Joy and Simplicity Matter

So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot.
Ecclesiastes 3:22 NIV

Ikigai honors life’s simple pleasures. Scripture too reminds us that joy can be found in the daily rhythms of life like eating, working, resting, and being present.

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5. We’re Part of Something Bigger

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV

Even when we feel lost or disconnected from our purpose, God is still weaving all things together. Our ikigai is not just about self-fulfillment. It is also about participating in God’s redemptive story.

Our ikigai and our faith are not at odds. Rather, I believe that they beautifully reinforce one another. Friend, as you seek what makes you come alive, remember that God delights in seeing His children walk in purpose, peace, and joy. You matter.

For those of you following along, our open house for our art exhibition went great! We had lots of folks come and see our work.

Know you are loved. Realize you matter.

Until my next post…

Be salty, stay lit.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

#bgbg2#BibleGateway

The Stigma Stops Here.🛑

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