Lesson 118 – Life’s Meaning and Purpose
At some point in life most people ask why am I here, who am I? Do we live each day for the sole purpose of waking up, working, seeing to the many menial tasks we’re responsible for each day, eating, sleeping, socializing, and hoping for another day of life to do it all over again? Many ask, and a song was written “Is that all there is?” From the humanist outlook, life is a circular pattern of being born, growing up, working, marrying, reproducing, dying and trying to capture as much enjoyment, pleasure and self-gratification as we can along the way. Over time, each of us, our works and the people who knew us will all be forgotten. This is the circularity of the humanist perspective.
But anyone who believes in the God of the Bible comes to understand that God created each of us as a unique individual, with a certain purpose in time and space. It’s up to each of us to seek God’s purpose in our lives. By prayer, contemplation and trust in God to reveal His plan for us, we can find that purpose and true meaning in our life. Then if we live true to what we were created to be, we can, in each of our lives and circumstances, fit into God’s purpose in creation. Given this perspective our lives contribute a link in the chain of the human experience that leads to the establishment of God’s kingdom, inhabited by a people God purified for Himself, to glorify and enjoy Him forever.
So long as we trust in God, seek His guidance, and depend on the insights and answers He provides, our lives will fulfill His purpose for each of us. We can reflect this purpose driven life to others as we go forth each day, in whatever circumstance we are placed in, to glorify God in our works and by our actions, behavior, demeanor, and love for others. Done for God’s glory even the most routine, humdrum tasks have meaning and contribute to God’s highest purpose for us in creation. We need God’s help for us to live each day for our true purpose and not allow short-term pleasures and goals to become our priority. Surely God wants us to enjoy all He has given us in this life but not to lose the perspective that He provided it all, and we need to thank and glorify Him for it.