The many sales of self-help and spiritual-help books tells me that people are hungry to get more out of life. On the other hand, many people do not question their place in life. They are satisfied with the status quo. Their attitude is, “Don’t rock the boat. I’m enjoying my slice of life just fine.” “I’m making do with what I’ve got.”
Usually, a person starts seeking for more when she realizes that she is still not satisfied with life. Her financial or physical health, relationships, or activities has turned her to look for alternatives. For many people, that alternative is spiritual, since the material world has proven to be a disappointment.
So she starts asking, “Isn’t there more to life than this? What is the meaning of life?”
Thankfully, there is an answer to these questions. The Creator of all things has created us for a reason. When an architect constructs the plans for a building, he does so with the end in view. “How many people should it hold? What will it be used for? Where will it be built?” These kinds of questions determine whether the plans take the form of a hospital, office building, or library. By studying God’s building plans, we can discover what our part is. When we live according to that plan, we’ll find meaning and purpose in life.
Since God is our Creator, we look only to the Bible for spiritual guidance. The following verses sum up several grand themes in the Bible that reflect the high calling God has given Christians. When you make decisions that further these aims in your life, you’ll find life more fulfilling.
Lovers of God
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37). Just like us, people in Jesus’ day were lost among all the rules and complexities of life. A man asked Jesus for the number one rule out of all they’ve been given to follow. The above verse was Jesus’ answer. Frankly, we are lovers of self first of all – that’s why so many things go wrong. Our priority in life is to honor God in everything. He has given us a heart, soul and mind, and expects us to employ them to know him.
We already have a code of decency that influences our motivations and thoughts. Replace that code with this one to discover a dramatic change in your life. If you are learning the Word of God, those values will shape your mind’s thoughts and your heart’s motivations. Love for God – in response to his love for you – will motivate all that you do.
Sons of God
“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12). God invites us into his family to be his children. Romans 8:14 tells us, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” His children receive special privileges, but they also have special responsibilities. This verse tells us that we need to learn to obey the Holy Spirit. When we do, we mature, going from young children to mature sons of God. This pursuit alone will affect nearly every decision we make, and influence how we deal with personal weaknesses and dark motivations of the heart – anything that could impede the Spirit’s working.
Rulers with God
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21). Jesus is coming again to set up his government over the entire world. He will take those of his family who have been faithful in their tasks, and appoint them as governors over the land. This realization that he is scrutinizing us for faithfulness should affect how we do our work, and our attitude in serving others. We should fear and repent if we refuse to learn, are irresponsible, and shun hard work, for all our deeds will be reviewed at the judgment seat.
Defenders of God
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). God has given his church much. But there is evil here, too, which wants to destroy our blessings. God has entrusted us with the armor we need to stand against the enemy.
Safeguarding God’s truths in one’s life is a high calling. It calls for courage and self-discipline. Above all, it calls for faith, that God will protect us as we wear the armor when exercising godliness. (No one wears the armor by joining the enemy in unrighteousness!) Compromise is the order of the day. Rise above it by standing for the truths God has given his people.
What Do You Think?
a. Are any of these purposes greater than the purpose you are living for now? Why or why not?
b. Do your life’s routines help you fulfill these purposes? Why or why not?
c. What steps do you need take to fulfill the purpose of God for your life? Which one can you do now?
