Someone has said there are five great questions we all must ultimately face: Our origin, our identity, our purpose, our morality, how are we going to live, and our destiny.
Actually, these questions reflect our world view.
What does the phrase, “world view” mean. It could be said that it is the lens through which we view the world. Our actions and reactions reflect our world view. Maybe it would be helpful to examine these five questions.
The first question could be stated as “where did I come from.” Many feel that we are the product of random chance. We began in primordial slime until something happened, perhaps lightning or some electric charge, bringing about just the right combination to produce a protein molecule and on and on.
If that be true then any purpose we have for life is simply what we design for ourselves. We have no ultimate responsibility to a creator or reason to live outside that which brings the most pleasure.
The second question flows out of the first. It is “who am I?” or what is my identity? Some find their identity in their job. They give themselves to being successful in their vocation. When asked who they are, they may respond, “I’m a teacher, banker, farmer, etc. Often, when they retire they lose a part of their reason to live.
The third question, “what is my purpose in life,” plagues many of us. Without a meaningful reason to live, our passions often take over. We become self oriented. We live for the weekend, the holiday, or retirement. Surely the next phase of life will bring that elusive “something” that will give ultimate satisfaction.
The fourth question might be stated as “how shall I live in this world and with my fellow man.” We might call that morality. Why should I be honest other than that being dishonest might get me in trouble? If there is no moral standard outside of ourselves then why not eat, drink and be merry. Many live life on the basis of “what’s in it for me.”
The ultimate question may be about our destiny. What happens after I die? Is there anything out there beyond the grave? Many live in the hope that their good deeds outweigh their bad deeds and maybe God grades on the curve.
The world view of the Christian gives great comfort and a guiding north star around which all the questions find their answer. We believe that we have our origin in the heart of God, the creator of the universe. It is not by chance that any of us are where we are and who we are. Our identity is found not in our job, our position, or how others see us, but we are made in the image of God; that is we are created with the capacity to know and relate to God who made us.
We were not created to live out our lives in quiet desperation; we are to live on purpose, to bring praise and glory to God, to make much of God. In doing so, life takes on new meaning, as David wrote in Psalms 37:4; “Delight yourself In the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Our life is to be lived on the basis of gratitude for what He has done for us, not for what we will get in return. We see people not as the world does; “what can they do for me,” but we see them through the eyes of Christ, loving, compassionate, serving them, and enjoying relationships — as loved by God and thereby worthy of my love.
Our greatest joy can be found in a life of obedience, faithfully following the steps of his wounded feet. As the apostle Paul said in Acts 20:24, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord has given me, the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”
To comment, email jhm82@outlook or call (580) 772-2311.