Is the goal of life to be comfortable, or to make a difference?
“Soft life” is everywhere.
It is the dream of financial freedom, nice experiences, travelling, having a good job, living in a beautiful home, taking care of yourself and not constantly struggling.
And honestly, there is nothing wrong with wanting a better life.
After all, who doesn’t want to pay their bills without stress, have a decent home, enjoy a holiday, support their family and have some peace of mind?
But here’s the question we need to ask this day: Are we chasing comfort, or are we chasing purpose?
Because sometimes the life God calls us to may not always be the easiest or most comfortable one.
Jesus put it this way:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Matthew 16:24–26 (NIV)
Jesus wasn’t saying that His followers must live miserable lives. He was challenging us to ask what we are willing to sacrifice for something greater than ourselves.
1. Wanting a Good Life Isn’t the Problem
There is nothing wrong with wanting financial stability, a successful career or a comfortable life.
The problem comes when comfort becomes the goal instead of the reward.
You can want nice things and still love God.
You can build a successful business and still serve others.
You can pursue a great career and still live with purpose.
The question isn’t, “Do I want a soft life?”
The better question is:
“What am I willing to do with the life God gives me?”
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.” — Deuteronomy 8:18 (NIV)
Success is not simply about what you can accumulate. It is also about what you can contribute.
2. Hustle Culture Can Make You Forget to Live
Young people are constantly being told to hustle harder. Wake up early. Start a side hustle. Build a brand. Make money. Learn a skill. Invest. Network. Grind.
There is value in hard work, but constant hustle can also leave you exhausted.
You were not created to spend your entire life chasing money.
Jesus Himself recognised the importance of rest:
“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'” — Mark 6:31 (NIV)
Purpose doesn’t mean being busy every minute.
Sometimes rest is part of the assignment.
Don’t glorify burnout and call it ambition.
3. Purpose Will Sometimes Require Sacrifice
Here’s the uncomfortable part, purpose isn’t always convenient. Sometimes you have to say no to something you want because you are committed to something bigger.
You may have to study when your friends are partying.
Save money when everyone else is spending.
Walk away from a relationship that is taking you away from God.
Start small when you want instant success.
Serve others when nobody is paying you.
Jesus said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” — Matthew 16:24 (NIV)
Following Jesus involves sacrifice.
But sacrifice doesn’t mean your life has no joy. It means you are willing to exchange temporary comfort for a lasting purpose.
4. Don’t Let Social Media Define Your Version of Success
Someone is posting from Dubai.
Someone just bought a car.
Someone is getting married.
Someone has launched a business.
Someone has 100,000 followers.
And suddenly your own life feels like a failure.
But remember: you are comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.
The Bible says:
“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” — Galatians 6:4 (NIV)
Your journey doesn’t have to look like somebody else’s.
Maybe your purpose is still developing.
Maybe your season is about preparation rather than public success.
Don’t rush your journey because someone else’s life looks better on Instagram.
5. Purpose Is Bigger Than Getting a Job
For many young people, the dream is simply to get a job.
And that’s understandable, but your purpose is bigger than your payslip.
You can fulfil purpose through your profession, business, ministry, creativity, community work, family and relationships.
Paul reminds us:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
Whether you’re a teacher, entrepreneur, farmer, doctor, designer, student, mechanic, content creator or job seeker, ask:
“How can I use what God has given me to make someone’s life better?”
That’s where purpose begins.
6. You Don’t Have to Choose Between Ambition and Faith
Some young Christians feel guilty for wanting success.
But God gave you gifts, creativity, intelligence and ambition for a reason.
The issue isn’t ambition, the issue is what your ambition is serving.
Are you chasing money simply to prove that you’re better than everyone else?
Or are you building something that can provide for your family, create jobs and bless your community?
Are you pursuing influence so people can worship you?
Or so you can influence people for good?
Jesus asked:
“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” — Mark 8:36 (NIV)
Don’t lose your soul while building your dream.
7. Choose a Life That Means Something
At the end of the day, the question isn’t whether you lived a “soft” or “hard” life.
The question is:
Did your life matter?
Did you use your gifts?
Did you help someone?
Did you make your community better?
Did you honour God?
Did you leave something behind that continues to bless others?
Jesus tells us:
“Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” — Matthew 16:25 (NIV)
A purpose-driven life isn’t necessarily an uncomfortable life, it is a life where comfort doesn’t control you.
You can enjoy your blessings without worshipping them.
You can pursue success without making success your god.
You can enjoy the “soft life” while still living a purposeful life.
So, Soft Life or Purpose Life?
Maybe the answer isn’t one or the other.
Enjoy the soft life, but don’t let it become your purpose.
Work hard, but rest.
Build wealth, but remain generous.
Pursue success, but remain humble.
Dream big, but remember God.
Enjoy life, but don’t forget why you are here.