06.02.08 The 2nd Key for Evaluating Purpose, Direction and Vision in a Prospective Partner Is there Clarity of Personal Purpose?

2. Is there Clarity of Personal Purpose?

Notice whether the prospective partner has a clear purpose and life goals? Does the individual’s lifestyle support those goals? Is the person’s daily habits and decisions aligned with his or her long-term vision?

Priscilla and Aquila must have been convinced of each other’s purpose. The couple would have noticed the goals they shared to serve God, support the early church, invest in the growth of followers (Acts 18:1–3; Romans 16:3–5) and integrate the tent-making business with their spiritual beliefs. Further, the couple were on the same page when it came to understanding and executing their roles so as to fulfill shared purpose. Even the way they handled relocation, work demands and ministry without losing direction showed that their personal purposes were aligned. Each partner knew what she or he was ‘born to accomplish’ and how their relationship would make that vision possible (Acts 18:18–26).

Sebastian lacked a clear purpose. Even though he would spend precious time speaking confidently about what he termed as ‘success’, the man had no clear life-goals in place. While Lydia aspired to build ‘Lydia Organics’ as a leading local brand, Sebastian was envisioning relocating to the United States even if it meant doing blue-collar odd jobs to survive. Most disappointingly, the man viewed the business as a steppingstone for escaping from a hard life in his home country. With time, Lydia was no longer sure whether they could build towards the same future.

Having a clear personal purpose is vital for a stable and successful relationship, especially when the prospective partner’s purpose aligns with or strengthens your own. Clarity of purpose brings stability and reduces confusion because the person’s decisions are guided by an internal compass rather than changing impulses. You are able to see where the person is going instead of watching him or her shift direction unpredictably.