What’s life about? (This isn’t an uncommon question).
I’m trying to think this through (again). Maybe you’ve spent some time with this question too.
Just yesterday I experienced some things going on in my life, the death of a friend and the birth of my niece’s baby. These events triggered thoughts in my mind that I’ve wrestled with before and caused me to ask once again, “what’s it all about?”
WHERE COULD I LOOK TO FIND THE ANSWER?
The question addresses the meaning of life. So, I Googled: what is life about? Wikipedia had a long, yet interesting article on the philosophical, scientific, and religious view of the question (Meaning of Life), but offered no one answer, just a kind of cafeteria selection, choose what you like best.
I guess this is what I usually do: make a choice, choose what I like best. (You, too?) Evidence is presented and we decide which way to go. We pick.
There were several comments about the meaning of life. Listed as one best answer was: “do what i did. stop caring. do what you like to do. whether that be smoke weed all day or travel the world. you are right, there is nothing to look forward to in life. people lie. no one’s really happy unless they do nothing to achieve that happiness.” (Etcetera). (What is life about?)
Also, I read a few quotations that dealt with what life is about:
- “The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.” Charles Darwin.
- “Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” Dalai Lama.
- “I have a simple philosophy: Fill what’s empty. Empty what’s full. Scratch where it itches.” Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
Of course there was much more quoted, but after all was said and read, I felt most comfortable with what the Bible had to say.
SOME OF MY SENTIMENTS GOING IN
Bible 1 John 5 thoughts:
1. What does it take to become a child of God? Evidently, in the broad view everyone is a child of God, but in the narrow view a child of God is someone who believes in the one God sent–Jesus.
2. This child of God is obedient to the Lord and loving of others 1-5. Why is it that some think that it’s useless to do what God wants us to do? Why are some convinced that doing things God’s way is no fun, has no relevance, is a waste of time and effort? Why do some suppose doing things our way is more healthy and satisfying?
3. Who is Jesus? Is it Jesus who gives me life when I place my faith in him 6-12? Yes, it seems, because this faith is a gift from God’s Holy Spirit. Everything I need to succeed and have life (temporarily and eternally) is given to me by God. God desires that everyone return to him. The earth is a mess and too many could care less about the treasure God offers us in Jesus. Who will listen to God’s message … and believe it?
4. The truth isn’t a mystery, God has revealed the truth to us through Jesus 13-21 . In the big picture we have the chance to succeed for eternity, which is far more valuable than anything we could gain in this temporary life, or even imagine. Jesus is God’s way back to himself. Jesus is our Savior bringing us back into intimacy with the Living God. Isn’t this what life is about? Doesn’t this give life meaning?
SOME (other) BIBLE CONTENT
(John 1:1-14 Easy-to read-version, ERV)
Before the world began, the Word was there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was there with God in the beginning. Everything was made through him, and nothing was made without him. In him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it.
There was a man named John, who was sent by God. He came to tell people about the light. Through him all people could hear about the light and believe. John was not the light. But he came to tell people about the light. The true light was coming into the world. This is the true light that gives light to all people.
The Word was already in the world. The world was made through him, but the world did not know him. He came to the world that was his own. And his own people did not accept him. But some people did accept him. They believed in him, and he gave them the right to become children of God. They became God’s children, but not in the way babies are usually born. It was not because of any human desire or plan. They were born from God himself.
The Word became a man and lived among us. We saw his divine greatness—the greatness that belongs to the only Son of the Father. The Word was full of grace and truth.
(Colossians 1:15-20 NLT)
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.
He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world.
Everything was created through him and for him.
He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body.
He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead.
So he is first in everything.
For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled
everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
TWO ADDITIONAL VERSES:
(Colossians 1:23-24 The Message)
You yourselves are a case study of what he does. At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got. But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God’s side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don’t walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message.
FINAL THOUGHTS COMING OUT
We are inclined to be suspicious of everything, aren’t we?
We’ve been taught to trust no one, or anything, but ourselves, as if we’re trustworthy.
Even when we are told the truth it’s a chore for us to believe it.
Still when we examine, and then accept, the truth God offers, there is overwhelming joy (as in a fresh start).
This is what life is about: God sent Jesus as our Redeemer.
Life’s in-your-face message is: Jesus.
Bonus Song:
Hillsong-“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”