Sunday, October 22, 2017

What is Our Purpose in Life?

Acts 16:11-15 & Psalms 92 by Rev. Susan Lukey
Series:A Journey with Time

What is our purpose in life? It is a question that I think all of us ask at some point or many points in life – when we are 18 and embracing what adulthood will mean for us, when we are middle-aged (how ever that is now defined) and trying to figure out what our life has meant so far and what it can mean for the next stages, when we are in our senior years and looking back, and when we face serious illness, our own end of life or the death of a loved one. All of these times (and others) can bring us face to face with the question: what is my purpose in life? What meaning does my life have? One of the ways that the Christian faith has answered that question for centuries is to say that our “chief purpose is to glorify God, and to enjoy God for ever.” I don’t suppose that was the first thing that came to your mind when I asked the question. I think many of us would point to our relationships with family and friends, our contributions through our jobs or volunteer work, and the gifts and skills by which we can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Indeed, all of those give meaning and purpose to life – and could be considered the ultimate meaning of life. However, I think that many, if not all, of us have experienced the moment when we are confronted by that question, “What is the purpose of my life, the meaning of my existence?” and we don’t have an answer, or once we list our relationships, jobs, volunteer work, and other contributions, we find ourselves asking, “But is it enough? Have I done enough? Have I made enough of a difference?”
Duration:16 mins 18 secs