WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE? Philippians 1:21-24; 2:12-15.

Posted bySteven WalesPosted inCalling/Mission/PurposeTags:, , , , , , ,

People love to ask, “what is the meaning of life?” It has become a cliché. Homer asks God the question on the Simpsons and just as God is about to tell him, the credits begin to roll. On Monty Python a man opens an envelope labeled “the meaning of life,” and it says: “Well, it’s nothing very special. Uh, try to be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then….” Paintings, movies, novels, and characters both comical and serious constantly talk about the meaning of life. Why are we so obsessed? Because we know the answer will show us the happiest, most fulfilling way to live.

Would it surprise you if I said the Bible answers the question? Many passages speak to the subject, but consider Paul’s letter to the Philippians:

“For me, to live is Christ.” There you have it—five words. But let’s read on:

“For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I live on in the flesh, it will mean fruitful work for me, and I don’t know which I should choose…. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ—which is FAR BETTER—but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you [because I can keep teaching]” Philippians 1:21-24.

Paul’s advice:

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling .… for God is at work in you, helping you both DESIRE and FULFILL his purpose, …. So you SHINE LIKE STARS IN THE WORLD” Philippians 2:12-15.

In 2014, that great philosopher Kanye West said “the meaning of life is getting things done and being happy.” Believe it or not, he’s not far from the wisdom of Ecclesiastes.

But Paul gives us a greater ambition. Life is about serving Christ and storing up eternal treasure. Seek him and he will make you WANT to serve him, and as you serve, he will make you shine like a star.

The meaning of life[1] is serving the Foot-Washer (the “Suffering Servant”) who first served us.

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[1] At other times I have described Ephesians 2:10 as “the meaning of life”: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Published by Steven Wales

Dad's Daily Devotional began as text messages to my family. I wanted my teenagers to know their father was reading the Bible. But they were at school by then. Initially, I sent them a favorite verse or an insight based on what I read each day. That grew into drafting a devotional readng which I would send them via text. I work as an attorney and an adjunct professor, and recently wrote a book called HOW TO MAKE A'S.

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