What is the meaning of life?
- Michelle Wood: SWCD
- January 11, 2010
- 831
Yet, others have provided answers that are subpar, void of substance and direction. In our culture today, there are some people who provide answers and there are several who pass along meaningless psychobabble, the hollow words of man.
Indeed, each of us has an ideal for perfect living, which is often associated with the American dream. The normative desire is to acquire positions of wealth and status, partners of worth, and children of promise. Elaborate lifestyles, as we are told by the influences of culture and media, are the goal, the climax to hard work and ingenuity. Therefore, when we have achieved such a victory in life, we most certainly must be done . . . right?
What then, does life have in store for those who have reached this plateau? Has the twenty-something with many possessions already run their course in life? Is everything over for the 60-year-old man who has finally retired? Certainly, life for both individuals carries along for years. So, what is life, other than a fleeting mist that is here for a while, and then vanishes, too quickly for us to enjoy?
King Solomon knew the American dream all too well. At the time of the King’s reign, Israel was a united kingdom. Royal dignitaries from across the known world came to hear his wisdom. He had money, influence, many wives, and fame. Yet, when looking back upon his life, Solomon had one thing to say: “Meaningless, everything is meaningless.”
It is evident, for Solomon, that wealth and status are not the secret cure-all for life’s wants and desires. The quantity of life’s pleasures is fleeting, but the quality of life is substantial, gratifying. If we wish to enjoy life, we must pursue the substance of days, the moments within life that are of quality.
If we are to ever understand the purpose to life, we must look at both the Garden of Eden and Heaven. Consider this, “How was life meant to be lived before there was sin?” Before Adam and Eve were banished from Eden, their relationship with each other was pure. They had no need to want for anything. They were in harmony with God. There was no desire for selfish gain, or the wayward plans of man. In Eden, there was only bliss, perfect unity among Adam and Eve and between God and man.
Likewise, Heaven will be the same. Revelation 21:24 tells us that the kings of earth will bring their splendor into Heaven. Like Eden, Heaven is the place of harmony between God and man. Therefore, if both Eden and Heaven boast of harmonious relationships, why should our lives be any different?
Our utmost priority in life is to resolve our differences with God and others. How can we enjoy material success if our relationships are in ruin? How can we relish the notion of popularity and status when those closest to us are neglected and lonely? There is no reward more noble than to share incredible relationships with friends, family, and faith. Anything less is off target with the purpose of living.
It is then worthy to weigh the distractions of life against this cause. What, if anything, is keeping you from enjoying your family? What roadblocks stand between you and your faith? How can you reconcile these differences? Is the temporary shimmer and luster of gold worth the dismissal of a loved one’s feelings? Is the chasing of friends and status worthy of lonely evenings and hollow memories?
When life is complete, the curtain has faded, and you look upon the days behind you, which will make you more proud, the amount of money left in your account, only for someone else to spend, or the smiles of those whom you have influenced, the hearts that you have changed? What will your spouse and children say about you as they gather to share intimate memories? Those conversations, your legacy is yet to be determined, and only you can change it. There are two roads you can follow, one is broad and majestic, but comes with a toll. The other is small, quaint, and pleasant. Follow this road, and you will find a life of great happiness.
Trevor Littleton is the lead minister at Millersburg Christian Church. Comments can be sent to trevorlittleton@yahoo.com.