WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE? 1 Corinthians 14:26.

How many TV shows have made jokes out of this old question? It’s a cliché—yet it may be the most important question on the minds of people in a post-modern world. Why am I here? What should I do with my life? What is my PURPOSE?

Believers have answers. We believe in a God who made us, loves us, redeems us, and will welcome us to heaven. But what does He want for me right now? I can’t tell you His specific plan for each individual who might read these words—but there is a general answer that applies to all God’s children: We were made to give Him glory (“for His Renown”) and to use our gifts to BUILD UP THE CHURCH.

What does that mean— “to build up the church”? The Bible uses the term “edification” or “edify,” from which we get the word “edifice.” To edify or build up the church is to literally build–as though you were stacking bricks to build a wall. We are called to BUILD OTHERS. That means encouraging believers to walk with Jesus. We are all part of the Body of Christ and each of us has gifts we are to use to make the body stronger, healthier.

Here is one key answer to questions about your purpose:

GOD HAS GIVEN YOU GIFTS AND HE IS CALLING YOU TO USE THEM TO BLESS HIS PEOPLE.

To those wishing to speak in tongues, Paul writes: “Since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, SEEK TO EXCEL IN BUILDING UP THE CHURCH” 1 Corinthians 14:12. Foreign tongues do not help the church without an interpreter. Otherwise, Paul says, “I would rather speak five words with my understanding in order to teach others, than 10,000 words in another language” 14:19. How’s this math: 5 > 10,000. Paul DOES speak in tongues, but he places such a high value on speaking words that will encourage other believers, that 5 words they understand are better than 10,000 in a foreign tongue. —BUILDING THE FAITH OF OTHER BELIEVERS IS REALLY IMPORTANT!

What can you do to encourage Christians around you? How are you helping believers know, obey, and love Jesus? That is your purpose.

“Let all things be done for edification” 1 Corinthians 14:26.

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