Viktor Frankl and the Power of Purpose
Viktor Frankl (1905–1997) was an Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor, and the founder of logotherapy, a school of psychotherapy focused on the search for meaning. Born in Vienna, Frankl was deeply influenced by Freud and Adler but later developed his own approach to therapy, emphasizing the human need for purpose over the pursuit of pleasure or power.
Frankl endured unimaginable suffering during World War II. He and his family were sent to Nazi concentration camps, where he lost his wife, parents, and brother. During his imprisonment, Frankl observed how some prisoners survived despite horrific conditions while others gave up. He concluded that survival often depended on one’s ability to find meaning in life, even amidst suffering.
After World War II, Frankl wrote Man’s Search for Meaning (1946), a profound work that blends his personal experiences in the camps with his psychological theories. I highly recommend it. The book emphasizes that life has meaning in all circumstances, and it is our responsibility to uncover that meaning.
Frankl proposed that purpose can be discovered through:
• Work: Doing something significant.
• Love: Caring deeply for another person.
• Courage: Facing suffering with dignity.
The Importance of Purpose
Frankl’s concept of purpose is transformative. He believed that purpose is not a luxury but a necessity for psychological and emotional well-being. Without it, people often fall into despair, depression, or apathy. Purpose provides a sense of direction, resilience, and motivation, enabling individuals to endure hardships and live fulfilling lives.
Frankl famously stated: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” His work remains a cornerstone for understanding the profound link between purpose and mental health, inspiring countless individuals to embrace meaning in their lives.
Discovering My Own Purpose
When I became a pastor in 1985, I wasn’t completely sure of my purpose. Of course, I wanted to serve God, but in what capacity? That was unclear to me. As the years went by, I felt a continuous aggravation that I couldn’t shake. Seeing how immature many believers were in their faith frustrated me deeply. At the time, I didn’t realize that this aggravation was leading me to my life’s purpose.
I came to see that what I felt was a significant problem in the Body of Christ—a lack of spiritual maturity. Someone needed to address it. That someone turned out to be me, though it took time for me to realize it. I committed my life to helping believers mature in their faith. Over the years, this passion has only grown stronger.
Growth is God’s plan for everything on this earth. Look around—whether it’s plants, animals, or humans, growth is essential for life. If you’re not growing, you’re dying.
Finding Your Purpose
What aggravates you? What stirs your heart to say, “This needs to change”? Are you tired of being poor? Perhaps God has called you to break that cycle of lack and step into abundance, and He’s simply waiting for you to act.
The way to find your passion is through a commitment to personal growth. You don’t need to know your purpose right away. Start by cultivating a desire to learn, to grow, and to understand. As Proverbs 4:7-8 says: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.”
As you seek wisdom, you’ll find yourself drawn to a particular area—investing, teaching, helping, giving, or something else entirely. Jesus promised, “Seek, and you will find.” That promise is powerful and shouldn’t be ignored.
Purpose Brings Life
Purpose creates energy. Purpose ignites desire. Purpose will carry you through the hard times. Without it, life can feel aimless, which is why so many people waste their lives without ever discovering the joy of living intentionally.
I know a woman who, last December, made a commitment to set aside distractions like her iPhone and dive deeply into studying a subject she had always been curious about. This week, she’s teaching that very subject to an audience. Without that commitment, she would’ve missed the opportunity to uncover her passion and share it with others.
The Call to Action
I encourage you to be like her. Put aside the senseless distractions that take up your time, and make a commitment to God. Dedicate even a small part of your life to growing in wisdom and seeking purpose. Let’s grow together, because growth is life.
Remember, purpose isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey. And it’s one that transforms not only your life, but the lives of those around you. Embrace your why, and you’ll find the how to overcome any obstacle.
