Yesterday we began a study of three prominent questions, “Why Am I Here?,” “What Am I Doing?,” and “Where Am I Going?” We found that we are here because we were created by God (Gen. 1:26-27). Our purpose in life has an equally important answer. Philosophers have wondered for thousands of years about the purpose in life, and there are many proposed ideas.
Some think that we are only in life to pursue our own selfish motives. Live how you want to achieve what you want so that you can have what you want. The major issue with this way of thinking is that all of this world’s possessions will be burned up one day (2 Pet. 3:10, 1 John 2:15-17). Why would I live for this world considering its temporary nature?
Some think that our only purpose is to help others. While it is certainly admirable to help those in need (Mat. 25:31-46, James 2:14-26, etc.), there is more to life than just doing good deeds. If we stop at only helping physically, we fall woefully short.
My main goal in this life is to “fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecc. 12:13). The entirety of my life should be devoted to the keeping of God’s Word (Mat. 7:21, Mat. 28:18, 2 Cor. 5:10, Col. 3:17, etc.). What does it mean to serve God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30)?
In this life, I must obey the Gospel of Christ. We cannot be saved if we do not obey God (Mat. 7:21). Eternal punishment is waiting for those who do not obey Him (2 The. 1:7-9). The blood of Christ is the only thing that can wash away sin (Rom. 6:3-4). God has given us the perfect plan to follow (Eph. 2:8-9), so it is foolish not to obey Him. After I have obeyed the Gospel, I must immediately begin to spread the good news of the Gospel to the lost (Mat. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, 2 Tim. 4:2). Our love of people and their souls should motivate us to want to spread God’s Word to all (Eph. 4:15). We also have the obligation to help those who are struggling (Mat. 25:31-46, James 2:14-26). In summation, we should strive to embody Christian character in all that we do every day (Gal. 5:22-23).
In this life, we must always strive to be walking in the light, following those perfect Footsteps that were left before us (1 John 1:7, Heb. 12:1-2, 1 Pet. 2:21). If we follow God in this life, we can be assured that we will live with Him eternally (Mat. 7:21-23). Lord willing, tomorrow we will study that eternal abode known as Heaven.
