What is the Meaning of Life?
Transcript:
Hello. This is Pastor Don Willeman of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.
“Life stinks and then you die,” so says a very cynical bumper sticker I saw one time. It makes me ask the question: Why is life in the modern world characterized by such hopelessness and meaninglessness? Does life have a purpose, and if so, what is it?
A statement by some Christians from another era I think is helpful at this point. When asked what the meaning or purpose of life was, they said, “To glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever” (Question 1 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, AD 1647). Much could be said regarding the richness of this statement, but at least one thing must be emphasized. To them meaning or purpose in life is found in relation to God. Our purpose as human beings is to maximize our relationship with the Supreme Being—to glorify Him, to know Him, indeed, to ENJOY Him!
We were made to enjoy God. You can’t enjoy someone you don’t know. Maybe the reason you don’t enjoy your relationship with God is because you don’t really know Him, or you don’t know much about Him. All relationships require investment. They require you to put in time. Only to the degree you put in time getting to know someone are you able to grow in that relationship. And if knowing God is the purpose of life, then only to the degree that you put in the time listening to His Word and talking to Him in prayer will you be able to know and experience your ultimate meaning and purpose.
Now that’s worth thinking about from The Kingdom Perspective.
“Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You.
I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord’;
I have nothing good besides You.”
As for the saints who are on the earth,
They are the majestic ones; all my delight is in them.
The pains of those who have acquired another god will be multiplied;
I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood,
Nor will I take their names upon my lips.
The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
The measuring lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my inheritance is beautiful to me.
I will bless the Lord who has advised me;
Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night.
I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol;
You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay.
You will make known to me the way of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
~Psalm 16:1-11 (NASB)