Everyday people are on the search. They are looking for meaning and purpose in their lives. Some find their meaning in trivial things - money, popularity, materialism, success. Others find it in religions that shove them deeper down into the pit of selfishness, pain, and feelings of never doing enough. Still others are too scared to face what they may find if they discovered their meaning in life, so instead they ignore it and live for the here and now - focusing only on the good and fun times.
I have journeyed "the search" and I am grateful for what I now know. There was someone who found the meaning in their life way before me and what they were taught has been helpful to me. His name is Paul. Paul experienced many trials and terrifying events in his life, but he also lived moments of joy. If you met Paul you would be amazed at his ability to stay calm in scary situations and the peace that overwhelmed any worry that may have crossed his mind. When life got hard, he made it through - and he did so full of joy and encouragement. How could he do this? How could he be joyful in prison? How could he be so selfless in so many difficult situations? How could he keep pressing on in the face of persecution and ridicule?
He knew the meaning of life. He received hope and the peace that surpasses all understanding. He rested firmly upon an unshakable foundation of truth. He looked beyond himself and surrendered to something - Someone - bigger than himself. He had a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:15-16
Paul knew that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Paul knew that Jesus Christ is "fully God in every way" (MacArthur Study Bible). Paul knew that by Christ all things were created. He knew that all things were created through Christ and for Christ. As God, Jesus created everything for His pleasure and glory (MacArthur).
This lesson was pivotal in Paul's life and he speaks of these truths again in Romans 11.
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?
Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to Him again?
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever. Amen."
Romans 11:33-36
Amen! Look at the excitement in Paul's writing! He knows the truth and it has caused him to erupt into praise! It is relieving to know that I am not on this earth for myself. It is freeing to know that I was created for God, that I am breathing and living to bring God pleasure and glory. I am here to point others to Christ so that they may know His greatness and bring Him glory.
Once you know these truths and store them in the core of your heart, your life will change. It will be different from anything you could ever imagine. The sense of freedom in knowing these truths is indescribable.
This is the truth: You are not your own, you were made by God and for God to bring Him pleasure and glory. This life is not about you.
"All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being."
John 1:3
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
Colossians 3:17
"All that came into being exists for Christ - that is, everything exists to display the greatness of Christ. Nothing - nothing! - in the universe exists for its own sake."
John Piper
