In our previous article, we discussed our life purpose. This is closely related to the ever relevant, yet age-old philosophical question, “What is the meaning of life?” To find the answer, we should go to the Book of Books for eternal wisdom, the Bible.
The Meaning of Life
Since God made us for a purpose, what is it? To discover the meaning of life, let’s begin with God’s plan for the universe.
[God] having made known to us the mystery of His will…that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. (Ephesians 1:9-10)
Did you notice that God’s will, which was a mystery, has been revealed? That is, the Lord does not want us to be ignorant of His plans and purposes. This is a wonderful thought – the almighty Creator wants us to know what He is doing! That’s why He gave us these messages from heaven. God’s plan is to bring all things, both in Heaven and on Earth, together under the rule of Jesus. This will bring the Lord the glory He deserves as we are told,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)
So, the purpose of the universe is to bring God glory. This will happen at the end of time, so what does that mean for us today?
That we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. (Ephesians 1:12)
Our purpose today is to bring glory to Jesus. This is the meaning of life. It is in this pursuit that we find meaning and lasting satisfaction, and we have a promise that people who are faithful to Jesus will be rewarded. He said,
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” (Matthew 25:31-40)
The faithful will “inherit the kingdom”. How are we to be faithful? We saw that showing compassion is one way, but Jesus summarized things with the two great commands.
Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)
The first commandment is to love God with everything in you. Make Him your priority, be faithful and devoted to Him. When you do, it will be easier to obey the second command to love others just like you love yourself. Caring for others, showing kindness and compassion brings glory to God and the blessing of fulfillment to us.
Please notice that the Lord did not command everyone to be a monk or a nun. Loving Him and our neighbors is what we are to do wherever we are and whatever our vocation may be. So, you can keep these commandments and live a fulfilling life today!
(Adapted from my book Have You Heard from God Lately? Message 1)