Finding Your Ikigai: Discovering God's Purpose for Your Work and Life

Have you ever dreaded Monday mornings? You're not alone. Studies show that workplace productivity hits its lowest point on Mondays, and it's the day most people are likely to call in sick – whether they're actually ill or not. But what if our aversion to Mondays isn't really about the day itself? What if it's a symptom of a deeper issue – a life that feels disconnected, uninspired, or misaligned?

Consider this: we spend an average of 90,000 hours – nearly 40% of our waking adult life – working. If that work feels meaningless or soul-sucking, it's no wonder we struggle to face each new week. But what if there's another way? What if that sense of dread is actually the Holy Spirit whispering, "You were made for more"?

Jesus said in John 10:10, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Replace "they" with your own name and let that sink in. Jesus didn't come to diminish our joy – He came to fulfill it. This promise of an abundant life isn't just about the afterlife; it's about experiencing a joyful, beautiful existence right here and now.

I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – Jesus, John 10:10

So how do we bridge the gap between our current reality and the full life Jesus promises? The answer might lie in an unexpected place: a Japanese concept called "Ikigai."

Ikigai (pronounced ee-key-guy) is more than just a word – it's a framework for discovering a life you love and a world that's better because of it. Originating from Okinawa, Japan – a place known for its high concentration of centenarians – Ikigai translates to "life's worth" or "reason for being."

Imagine Ikigai as the sweet spot where four elements intersect:
1. What you love
2. What you're good at
3. What the world needs
4. What you can be rewarded for

When all four of these elements align, you've found your Ikigai – your reason for getting out of bed each morning. It's not just about having a job; it's about finding your life's work.

This concept resonates deeply with the Christian understanding of purpose. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." You are not only a work of art but also meant to be an artist at work. Your life becomes a masterpiece when you engage in the art of work – doing what you love, what you're good at, what makes the world better, and what you can be rewarded for.

Finding your Ikigai isn't a destination; it's a journey. It requires intention, humility, experimentation, and courage. You might need to say no to good things to say yes to great ones. You'll need to admit your limitations to identify your strengths. It invites you to try new things, volunteer, start that blog, take that class, follow your curiosity. You might fail, pivot, and learn – because you can't steer a parked car, and you can't find your Ikigai by doing nothing.

So where do you start? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Reflect: Prayerfully pay attention to what gives you life, serves others, and fills your cup.

2. Ask others: Go out for coffee with a close friend and ask them what they think you're good at or what gifts they see in you that help others.

3. Start small: You don't necessarily need to quit your current job. Maybe it's dedicating a few hours each evening or early morning to explore your passions and potential callings.

4. Embrace the process: Remember, finding your work will take work. It's not about instant transformation but gradual alignment with God's purpose for your life.

As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that your greatest act of worship isn't just the songs you sing on Sunday, but the life you live every day. Your work, when aligned with your Ikigai, becomes an act of worship to the God who gave you the gift of life.

Imagine living a life so rooted in purpose, so connected to who God created you to be, that your work isn't something you dread but something you delight in. A life where Mondays aren't a source of anxiety but an opportunity to engage in meaningful creation and service.

Imagine living a life so rooted in purpose, so connected to who God created you to be, that your work isn't something you dread but something you delight in.

This vision of life and work aligns beautifully with Jesus' promise of abundant life. It's not about finding an easier life, but a better one – one where you're not just making a living, but making a life. Where you're not just passing time until retirement, but actively engaging in work that matters, day by day.

The Okinawans, with their concept of Ikigai, don't even have a word for retirement. They understand that destiny isn't a destination – it's a daily decision to wake up and do work that you love, that you're good at, that helps meet a need, and that you can be rewarded for.

As you reflect on your own life and work, ask yourself: What might my Ikigai be? What action words resonate with my soul – serve, create, help, delight, provide, teach, counsel, shape, build, motivate? If one of these words makes your heart beat faster or rekindles a sense of childlike wonder within you, you might be onto something.

Remember, your meaningful work isn't a far-off destination you'll reach someday – it's a decision you can make today. Over time, those small choices can lead to a life of profound purpose and joy.

In conclusion, let's return to the words of Jesus in John 15: "I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!" This is the promise we're invited to live into – a life so beautiful, so joyful, and so full of purpose that others can't help but ask how it's possible.

May you become a master of your Ikigai. May you do what you love, what you're good at, what contributes to the world, and what brings you joy. And in doing so, may you discover the full, abundant life that Jesus promised – a life that honors God, serves others, and fills your heart with unshakeable purpose and joy.