Where Purpose and Meaning is Found

“Why am I here? What is my purpose in life?”

If you’re a human being, you’ve asked this question.

If you’re a human being, you’ve looked to the world to find the answers to these questions.

But that is the worst place to go.

A description of this awful place is found in the book of Ecclesiastes, because Ecclesiastes is a book of human wisdom; it’s the description of a man’s search for meaning and satisfaction apart from God. Throughout the book, the phrase ‘under the sun’ is used repeatedly, and it refers to things of this earth; but we were created for more. We were created to worship God and be in His presence. Because of this, our purpose and meaning cannot be found on this earth, or ‘under the sun’; it can only be found in God. Only He can give me purpose and peace.

So as I go about my day-to-day work, I can park in one of three camps.

I can have the point of view of the author of Ecclesiastes, that all the work I accomplish will someday be worth nothing. ” ‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’ ” 

Or, I can come to the conclusion He came to; that God sees all we do, so the best thing to do is try to make good decisions to keep the consequences minimal. “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

Or better yet, I can live a life sold out to God. If I really look at His sacrifice on the cross, the only conclusion I can come to is that no sacrifice on my part is too great. “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” 

Just an aside: a drink offering was a minor offering intended to complete a major offering. Christ was that major offering; what an honor it would be to live a life that complements His sacrifice! What a goal to strive for!