Discovering Life's Purpose: A Journey Beyond the Ordinary

The "OG" Tee **New Arrival**

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Do you ever wonder what the purpose of life is? Are you certain, or are you still searching? Why do we even care about the purpose of life? Is it to avoid reaching the end only to realize we wasted it? With all our technological advancements, you’d think someone could answer this question definitively by now. If we cannot answer this seemingly simple question, can it ever be answered?

From a philosophical standpoint, it might seem like there is no reason for life. We're here by random chance, and simply trying to survive is the objective. But I don't know about you; it feels like there’s more to life than that. If the general consensus were that life is meaningless, why care about anyone but yourself? Why care about the environment, have children, or help the poor?

From a scientific perspective, the meaning of life is purely utilitarian. Are we truly just advanced primates on a minor planet, or just machines built by DNA to replicate? Again, I'm left wondering: why do we have morals or values beyond those that benefit us personally? Why would anyone care about future generations if they’ll be forgotten within a few decades? Why would anyone spend their 80 years worrying about the future or the well-being of our species?

Some people live to 100 years old, eating un-healthily, while others work 30, 40, 50 years, save for retirement, and then sometimes die a year later, never enjoying the fruits of their labor. If success is purely what I get out of life, then why care about anyone or anything else? If the planet implodes a year after I'm gone, I won't live with the consequences. So, why care about finding life on other planets, the authenticity of the moon landing, or the actions of dictators far away as long as my needs are met?

By this point, you might be wondering where I'm going with this. The first three perspectives give little reason for caring about anyone but yourself. If you die early, you were dealt a bad hand; get what you can out of life and hope for the best. The last perspective, however, is what many gravitate towards, and for good reason. The religious perspective captivates many because of an inherent feeling that there must be more to our existence. We are not satisfied with the idea of random chance or a world full of signs pointing to a creator being explained away by science.

There are many religions worldwide, each claiming to be the true one. I cannot speak to the claims of each, but I am a Christian, which means I follow Jesus Christ. This is a problem for many people because they don't like the things He said during His brief earthly ministry. However, I have had a hard time finding fault with teaching love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

It took me many years to take Christianity seriously. I was like the Merle Haggard lyrics in "Are the Good Times Really Over" - a snowball headed for hell. I saw going to church and following the Christian way as restrictions on getting the most out of life. I spent years of my life chasing the desires of this world, but always found myself needing more. There was no end to the chase, no rest, and certainly no peace. I regret not seeing the error in my thinking sooner and the impact it had on my family. But once I stopped focusing on worldly pleasures and directed my attention towards discovering what Jesus said, something profound happened. His words spoke directly to me, challenging my misconceptions about His purpose for coming to earth. I stopped seeing Him as a life-taker and started seeing Him as a life-giver.

It's hard to explain because we are so skeptical. The reason I tell people is because I too was once skeptical! For what it's worth, it's not all rainbows and butterflies either! It isn't always easy. At first, it was almost magical, but then came the learning lessons and the challenges to overcome my old way of thinking. There are highs and lows, but I have come to realize that there is purpose behind the pain. Just like a bodybuilder must tear their muscles through lifting for them to grow, so too must I go through trials to build my spiritual muscles. Also, the more effort you put into seeking the truth the more wisdom He reveals.

If you've stuck through this long, rambling message, I applaud your persistence. I don't know where you're at in life or your views on the meaning of life. I'm here to encourage you to seek the truth. You'll know when you find it because your soul will confirm it. Your mind will become clear, and your existence will be meaningful. If you don't know where to start, consider Jesus's claim: "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

Until next time, God bless.