Matthew
6:33 “But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to
you.”
There
come a time in everyone’s life that they examine themselves and the world
around them and try to make sense of it all. Why am I here? What is my purpose?
Where am I going? These are such common questions in each generation.
Unfortunately, few, if any are able to come up with an answer that even makes
sense to the question: What is the purpose of your life?
I
read an account of a young man who had graduated from Oxford University that
approached the Prime Minister Gladstone and asked if he would listen to the
plan he had mapped out for his life. Gladstone said, “Fine. Tell me.” “Well, I have
graduated and intend to take the bar exam to practice law.” said the young
man. “That’s fine. What next?” replied
Gladstone. “After some experience, I hope
to run for Parliament.” Said the young man. That’s great. What then!” Gladstone replied. “I hope to make some contributions towards the betterment of our country.”
said the young man. “Excellent. What then?”
replied Gladstone. “Well, after a
while, I’ll retire.” Said the young man. “Very well. What then?” replied Gladstone. “Well. I guess someday, I’ll die.” Said the young man. “That’s right. And what then?” asked
Gladstone. “Well sir, I really don’t
know. I never really thought about it.”Gladstone fixed his eyes on the
young man and said: “Young man, Go home
and think life through again.” What was missing?
1 John
5:12-6:2a “He who has the Son
has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These
things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that
you may know that you have eternal life.”
What
response would we get if we laid out our plans, our purposes, and the
intentions for our life before God? What is our purpose for living? Everyone
lives by purposes. But, what is the chief purpose of man? Man’s chief end is to
glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. This is why we seek first the kingdom of
God and His righteousness. The reason we are here is to bring glory to God. The
purpose of life is to know God and to make Him known. This is the foundation that we build upon. Our priorities should be
God first, then family, vocation, church and community. What rule has God
given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him? The Word of God, which is
contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only
rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. Above all, we are to seek
first His kingdom and His righteousness. That is the purpose of life.
In
Christ, Brian
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