THE PURPOSE OF LIFE
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13, ESV
Theme: Our main purpose in life is to love and fear the Lord our God.
THE LAST WORD
We love to argue, debate, and flat out fight with our words. And the winning point—the only point that matters—is the last point. Those final, parting shots have been some of the most hurtful I’ve ever given or received. I love to have the last word...unless of course, the other person decides to crumble and admit, “You were right.” Actually, those are my favorite words! Is this human nature or just me? More than accolades and romantic sentiments, I want to be “right.”
AT THE END OF THE DAY
Maybe you’re also like me in this: at the end of the day, in my dark bedroom, I rehearse what has happened, what I’ve said, and how I’ve responded. Sometimes I’m still mad and can finally think of that witty comeback...hours too late. Sometimes, I am ashamed of that one extra sentence that was hurtful, a tad bit gossipy or snippy. When God and I review the day, sometimes neither one of us are happy about it. Occasionally, I feel His encouragement and pleasure. Always, even when He rebukes, I feel His love.
STRIVING FOR WHAT?
All my striving is usually not for stuff. It's for recognition of my contribution or my intelligence. It’s that human drive to be appreciated and needed. That sense of duty I feel? It, too, can be about accomplishing things which I hope will make me look good—and gain me the approval I crave. However, this is not God’s plan. It leaves me tired, disappointed in myself, and dissatisfied with the people I am trying to impress.
God’s ways are both higher and easier. They are higher because He asks us to go beyond the Laws and Commandments, keeping not only our actions, but our thoughts and attitudes in line. That’s all He asks. That seems impossible, for His standards are unattainable. Still, God makes this easier for us. He promises to help us in our weakness, by the power of His Spirit. He promises that this will not only be obedience to Him but will bring glory to His Name and will bless our own lives also.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The purpose of life is to love and worship God. The person who spoke this truth most directly into my life is Rick Warren. The first words of his book changed my life. “IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose” (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?).
Make It Personal: Maybe you, like me, want to have the last word. You want things to be your way or the highway. But my plans, my rights, and all my strivings to be the best are not fulfilling. What is fulfilling is living my life in the center of God’s will (as much as I can discern it), listening and willing to correct course as needed, and awaiting His pleasure to know my next steps. If you’ve tried everything else, try finding your purpose in God’s plan for your life. Nothing else will satisfy.
Pray: Lord, You are the King of the Universe and my Savior. You know what I was created to do and who I was created to be. I want to find my purpose in You and Your plan for my life. Help me. Direct me. Correct me. Lead me in the path everlasting. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Psalm 37:3-7; Proverbs 19:20-21; Isaiah 46:9-10
Weekly Memory Verse: "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT