City Life Starter

Written by Blesson Selvanesan

The Word

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

John 17:4 (ESV)

Intepretation

Why am I alive is a valid and profound question. The answer for this is complex and philosophers have struggled to answer this question. Materialists will often ignore this question as they cannot answer this. Science is woefully short in answering this question because this is outside the ability of science to answer. So, many modern day ‘scientists’ will say, there is no purpose and meaning for life since we don’t know or we cannot know. I notice that even highly educated people think science is the ultimate and can answer all questions, nothing exists outside of it and so questions such as purpose and meaning are irrelevant. This is simply not true.

Reality exists outside of science, good and serious scientists always understood this. Science cannot explain even apparently ‘simple’ things that we experience everyday such as love, beauty, thoughts, sacrifice, relationship, and even the existence of our own minds! The truth is that there is a whole reality that exists outside of science. We are not here by a cosmic accident. We have a purpose and working towards this purpose gives meaning to life.

Jesus clearly knew what his purpose was. Jesus in His prayer indicated this very clearly. His purpose in this world was to glorify God, His heavenly father and to accomplish all that works that He was supposed to do to redeem humanity and to show a small glimpse of God’s character in flesh. God has appointed us and equipped us to do His will according to His timing on this earth. Identifying our purpose and fulfilling our purpose gives meaning and leads to a fulfilled and joyful life.

Application

Our lives have a purpose just like the life of Jesus. It is to glorify our creator and to reflect His character. Just like Jesus did, we have to glorifying God through all we do and bring joy to all. There is meaning in living every day because there is an ultimate meaning for our life and for the whole creation.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for today. Help me to identify my purpose in life. Help me to accomplish all my tasks and to glorify You through whatever I do.  In Jesus’ name, amen.