The Meaning of Life

The meaning of life?

It’s a big question, isn’t it? Maybe it’s the biggest question we’ll ever answer. Have you figured out the meaning of life? More specifically, the meaning of “your” life? Are we just here for a while to have as much fun as possible and then we’re gone? Is it the pursuit of happiness?

Some people might exchange this question with, what is the (or my) purpose? Or, why am I here? Some of the simple answers to that question might be; to be a mom or dad, or a grandparent (for my current season of life), to be a teacher, or maybe even a minister. Maybe if we think deeper we feel we were created to make a difference in this life by changing our family legacy or teaching our children to become better people and citizens. Or, maybe we grew up thinking, “he who dies with the most toys win!” Maybe we still think that.

In my almost 55 years, I can now see now how the (my) answer to this question can change over time. Especially with education and life experiences, my answer has changed significantly. I grew up in Southern California. My early childhood years were spent in the San Diego area and later we moved to the Los Angeles area where I attended middle school, high school, and some college. I grew up in a lower/middle-class family. My parents rented homes for most of my childhood and only owned one home which they lost to foreclosure. We seemed to experience constant financial struggles during my upbringing. I recall knowing that in Southern California there existed a culture of materialism and status. I grew up thinking that money could create happiness and with the right house, cars, and even clothes people would respect you and treat you with value. At some point, I think it was after high school, I committed myself to do better than my folks! I would make sure I made more money than they did and that would provide a better life.

Beyond money, in my early career as a sales professional, I would soon discover that a successful salesperson received not only monetary rewards but recognition. It felt good to be successful at selling. This was a career that fed my soul. I loved the recognition! As sales increased the pats on the back and my name rising to the top of a sales results lists was awesome. So, was this confirmation, with business success comes happiness?

Unfortunately, although I was experiencing personal success in each position, I would repeatedly feel dissatisfied and unfulfilled. Between 1985 and 2010 (25 years), I would change companies eight times. It was always an upward move but, a 5 1/2-year stay was the longest. Each job would start off great but, soon I would grow stagnant and unfulfilled. Even starting and operating my own business from 2006 to 2009 did not completely fulfill me. With each company and position, I’ve always had a desire for something else.

At the beginning of 2009, the economy would tank and my business would not survive. I would find myself in serious trouble. Over an eight-month period, the money would run out. I felt like a looser! This was uncharted ground. I had never been without work and was arrogant enough to think I would bounce right back. I did not, and I had placed my wife and me in a terrible place. I would eventually find work but, the next few years would be extremely difficult and we would be on a long road of recovery.

Today I’ve been with my current employer for more than eight years. I have a great job! By every measure, anyone would be absolutely thrilled to have my position. Yet, very recently I found myself asking the question again, “is it time for a change?” Again, feeling unfulfilled and my passion fading. I’ve had questions like; is this as good as it gets, would a different organization be more fulfilling?

I know now that I am becoming wiser because I see this pattern. Through sincere prayer I know that I must stop seeking fulfillment in my work. It is NOT working! I find myself praying about this issue in my life a lot. Yes, praying. I am a Christian and I believe when I need answers and clarity about life, I need to go to my Creator.

What about you, do you acknowledge The Creator? For me, there is no question. I believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. I absolutely believe there is a God and I’m NOT Him. I believe there is one God and they are three in one, God (the Father), Jesus (the Son), and the Holy Spirit. Over the last many years, I have come to surrendered more of my life to follow Jesus. In other words, to yield my way to His way. So, IF I’ve surrendered, why do I still struggle to find fulfillment? I believe I’m figuring it out. I now understand that my Creator holds the secret to the meaning of life and I’ve been searching in the wrong place.

Allow me to digress. Many years ago, a Pastor named Rick Warren wrote a book entitled, The 40 Days of Purpose. The book’s subtitle was, why in the world are we here? As a church, we did a lengthy study and sermon series surrounding this teaching. Unfortunately, until recently, I had forgotten about that study and how at that time, I came to realize (for me) my purpose is, to serve Him and others. And, the Bible supports my conclusion (my belief).

This life cannot be just about me. That would be ridiculous. What sense would that make? I know how messed up I am and I know that my years of pursuing happiness and fulfillment are rubbish. How’s it working for you? Maybe you think that selfishness and your individual pursuit of self-gratification will finally get you fulfillment and happiness. I challenge you to honestly answer whether you think that will ever happen. I confidently propose that it will not. True joy and happiness come from placing other people before ourselves. It is true that “giving really is better than receiving.” We feel good when we serve others. Think about the last time you helped someone. If you’re a parent think about how we feel when giving good gifts to our children. The Bible speaks to each of these truths, and I believe what the Bible says.

So, in conclusion, I have been reminded (and I now completely believe) that this life is all about serving The Creator (God) and others, and if I want to find fulfillment, I will look for it in this mission and not my work. Our jobs and careers are what we do to provide for our families. Only a few are so blessed to combine the two and serve God and others as their work. The rest of us must work to provide, but find true joy and fulfillment is serving God and others through being servant minded husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, parents and children, brothers and sisters, friends, and even acquaintances. We must not seek fulfillment from worldly things but heavenly things – things that matter to our Creator.

May each of us find true fulfillment, our purpose, and meaning in this life. It is only found in The Creator, our God, and Jesus Christ.