It is an age-old challenge which has bedeviled humanity over the centuries: the quest for a meaning and purpose to life and living. In recent times, this question has gained greater traction amidst a flurry of socio-economic and political dynamics and upheavals affecting all levels and facets of life. Considering that the current global community is one of the most technologically advance and prosperous, and yet many people still struggle for a sense of meaning and direction in life, attests to the fact that, there is more to living a purposeful life than in the acquisition of material things. This short piece explores the purpose of living from the Christocentric or Biblical perspective. This piece forms part of a collection of writings we will be publishing on this subject. In this writing, we give a background to the topic and conclude by stating two basic ways of identifying your purpose and assignment in life.

Every scientific discovery, from astronomy, through biology, chemistry, mathematics to zoology, and human technological inventions, reveals the awesomeness and truth of the orderly design of the universe by a highly intelligent entity. Thus, when the Bible says, that Elohim (God) intentionally designed and created the world (Genesis 1: 2–26), it is but “The Truth”. These discoveries and inventions also attest to the vast potential of man, no wonder God said “let us create man in our own image and likeness” (Genesis 1:26), to wit, “let us create man as little ‘gods’ “. This goes to further confirm the divine nature and intelligence of man and this universe, and therefore of the existence (the source) of a good and loving Divine Deity who reigns above all.

Though the world may want to proffer differently on the basis of the tremendous scientific and technological achievement of man, these same advances in knowledge, vindicate the position of the Bible; God (Elohim) is the creator of the universe and of man, whom He created like “little gods”, giving them a vast array of potentials to do many great things. Therefore, it is only logical, that for man (the creation) to find the meaning to this life and a purpose for living, (s)he must turn to his/her Creator/Source — Elohim (God).

God in speaking to Jeremiah said this: “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations — that’s what I had in mind for you.” (Jeremiah. 1:5 Message Bible).

Truly, this is the story of every man on this earth, be it a Christian or not. Elohim, the source of life, knows and loves each and every one of us, and it is of His will we were born, and He had a specific assignment for us (see also Ephesians 2:10). In the case of Jeremiah, he was to be a prophet to the nations and for which reason he was given the prophetic gift.

We can therefore conclude that, there are at least two Biblical ways of finding meaning/purpose to your life:

1. Divine Revelation

That is being informed by God directly about your earthly purpose/assignment. This also goes without saying that, one must acknowledge God, as God indeed and as his/her creator and source, and ask Him for this information, and He will gladly tell (Matthew 7:7; Jas. 1:7). This calls for starting and maintaining a relationship with Elohim (God) so that when He speaks by whatever means: the Bible, still small voice, inner witness, etc., one can loudly hear and understand. Not only does He tell you your assignment, but additionally, one discovers how his/her specific purpose connects to others and the larger agenda of humanity and God’s purpose on earth (1 Corinthians 12:12; Genesis 1:28). This gives one a sense of hope, direction and true meaning to life and living.

2. Identifying Your Talents & Gifts

This may come in various forms and shapes, and operate in various ways or spheres of life, but it is God who put it in you, to enable you to execute that which He brought you on this earth for. Knowing and understanding your gifts (both spiritual and natural) are indicative of the specific assignment God has for you in His Kingdom and the world. God expects every human being to act in all these spheres towards the achievement of the objective “His Kingdom come, His will be done on Earth” (Matthew 6:10). There are many examples of people in the Bible and also in real life, whom because of their life assignment had special gifts and talents, Jeremiah is such an example.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the meaning to life and living a life of purpose is one which has bothered humanity since the beginning of age. The continuing discovery of the vastness yet intricate and orderly nature of the universe is proof of the existence of a Highly Intelligent Designer, Elohim (God). Additionally, the inspiring technological achievements and other advances of man and society do further confirm the existence of this deity who created man in His “own image and likeness” (“little god’s) (Gen. 1:26). And this man, He endowed powers and gifts, which are responsible for man’s achievements. Thus, to find meaning and purpose in life: 1) one has to acknowledge Elohim (God), start and maintain a relationship with Him and ask Him about his/her personal assignment in this life; 2) one has to identify his gifts (spiritual and natural) to know where (s)he was formed to act in.

In the next piece we shall discuss more about our potentials and gifts.