Would you like to begin a fascinating discussion? Ask this question: "What
is life's purpose?" Ask it in a nonreligious setting and situation. Ask it
when you are unlikely to receive Bible class responses. Ask it to a group
of Christians who are open and talkative. Then listen to the responses and
the discussion that follows.
"Life's purpose is to be successful." "Life's purpose is to create a secure
future for yourself and your children." "Life's purpose is to survive."
"Life's purpose is to improve your lifestyle." "Life's purpose is to
acquire." "Life's purpose is to achieve significance." "Life's purpose is
to build enduring relationships." "Life's purpose is to love and be loved."
"Life's purpose is to be responsible." "Life's purpose is to live in joy."
Aside from Bible class discussions, does God have a basic bearing on life's
purpose?
Do I believe that it is impossible to understand life's purpose without
growing in my understanding of God? Do I believe that the better I
understand God, the better I understand my life? Do I believe that
closeness to God increases the meaning of and the fulfillment in my life?
Is it my relationship with God that makes it obvious that I believe these
things?
Do I believe that physical existence is merely a stepping stone to eternal
existence? Do I believe that physical joy and gratification are only a dim
shadow of eternal joy and gratification? Do I believe that my death will
only be a door that permits me to enter the better life that exists only in
God's presence? Is it my relationship with Christ that makes it obvious
that I believe these things?
Do I believe that I grasp the significance of life only by understanding my
insignificance? Do I believe that the holy, pure God patiently accepts me
as His child because of His grace, not my accomplishments? Do I believe
that God holds the man or woman who humbly serves the least significant
people in His highest esteem? Does my relationship with God's Spirit make
it obvious that I believe these things?
Do I believe that the church is no more and no less than the men and women
who are spiritually alive because of the atonement of Jesus Christ? Do I
believe that the men and women who are in Christ exist to be Christ's
fullness on earth? Do I believe that a basic purpose of my life is to help
build up Christ's body by preparing Christians to serve? Do I believe that
I become useful to God's purposes through serving others? Does my
relationship with God's people make it obvious that I believe these things?
Is what I believe limited to what I say, or are my beliefs obvious because
of the ways that I use life for God in my service to others?
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