On the Meaning of Life
August 9, 2009
As Americans, we love lives of comfort and ease. We want our needs met and our desires catered to. Well, what is true in the general population is also true in the church. But this begs a question: is our existence defined by comfort and ease, or do we have another purpose (Mark 10:45)? From Jesus’ perspective, the meaning of our lives might be summarized in the lines below.
God did not put me on this earth to have an easy time;
he put me here to fight a fight and hold a battle line.
He put me here to help the weak and through faith in him grow strong;
he put me h
ere to lend a hand and help the world along.
He did not put me here to whine, stick out my lips, or pout;
I am here to do his work and Satan’s evil rout.
I am not here to seek reward, ease, or starry crowns;
he put me here to do my part so divine love abounds.
So I give myself to work for him as I travel through this land;
I strive each day to do his will and leave all in his hands.
What can we say to this, West Broad and friends? Only that human nature tells us the purpose of life is self-preservation, individual comfort, and the pursuit of our personal agenda. On the other hand, divine nature tells us the meaning of life is self-denial (Lk. 9:23), moral discomfort (Acts 17:16), and pursuit of God’s agenda (Matt. 6:33). Now, here is a question for you, friend: which “nature” defines the meaning of your life today? —JLNJR (Resource: Glad Tidings, Jacksonville Church of Christ, Vol. 15, 6/22/09, 5).
