The Meaning Of Life
Many have wondered about the meaning of life. Some search far and wide to try to find something that will give their life meaning. Others selfishly spend their time in pursuing as much as they can. Prosperity and fame may come, but the satisfaction of life is cut short with boredom and finally death. A continual round of indulging the appetites and passions seems to be the pursuit of rich or poor. What remains, in time,is an empty shell.
A certain amount of real satisfaction is found in the lives of individuals who choose to serve those more helpless or needy than themselves. Yet, this is too short-lived if there is no future life to look forward to.
Yes, all humans would like to believe there is a future full of happiness--an unending future. Even an atheist would like to live forever, if "forever" was a happy state of being. Yet, why won't everyone achieve this goal?
Simply because, for one reason or another, they have not become intimately acquainted with their Creator. Rebellion against knowing God takes different forms. Some are outspoken in their lack of faith in a caring heavenly Father. Some are easily swayed by what others say, and do not investigate for themselves. Some are deceived into believing falsehoods about God, and therefore, feel He is not a caring Creator. A good many would rather live this short life without any regard for the future, believing they have plenty of time to turn over a new leaf before they die, yet they seldom do.
Does God only acept a chosen few, while He rejects the rest of the human race? He would hardly be considered a loving God by anyone, if this were true. Those who God must of necessity "reject" are those who, after all His wooing through their lives, reject Him. It is such a pity mankind can be so short- sighted about matters so important to their eternal welfare. As far as the injustice done to those who suffer in innocence in this world of cruel humans and natural calamities, answers will come to these questions as we seek to know our Creator and Redeemer.
Why doesn't He take everyone to heaven and be done with it? The answer in a bit complicated. Our Creator made us to be intelligent beings--capable of spiritual, mental, and physical growth. He made us in His image, and He wants our companionship and love. He cannot gain such from beings who are slaves or robots. The only way heaven would be a safe place (free from all evil) would be if God did one of two things--He either would have to make us all robots of some kind, or, only let those who want to serve Him with their whole heart into heaven.
The former is unthinkable to God and to most humans. The latter is unacceptable to many humans. Why? The selfish nature has so much control of every one of us, and it is only those who are willing to surrender their lives to the Creator and Redeemer who are cooperating with Him. For only a life of surrender can be filled with divine power to overcome the evil, selfish traits of our character. Without this power from above we are utterly helpless as humans.
Is heaven worth sacrifices on this earth, giving up much of what others take so much pleasure in? Yes! Yes! We have eternity to enjoy all that will promote our utmost happiness. Not floating around on clouds playing harps all day, but pursuing inspired ambitions, traveling to new worlds, using creative energies in pursuits we didn't have the time, energy or intelligence to use while on this earth.
Would you like to get to know such a Creator--one who has such great plans for us--plans the best parents on earth could never even imagine for their children? I don't know about you, but I want to be there.
JESUS IS COMING SOON, ARE YOU GETTING READY? How do you get ready? Get that Bible out, study and search it day by day. Don't just read it. Don't go through a ritual reading of it. Seek for answers, find your God within its pages, find your Saviour, search your own heart. Humble yourself in prayer. Let Him know you want to know much more about Him and His plans for your life. Take every care and every blessing to Him in prayer. Make Him your constant companion. If you do, you will find a little heaven here on earth, before you even meet Him face to face on that glorious day after He returns for His children. I pray you and I will be among His children--those who have chosen to serve Him for eternity.##### ----(c) 1997, Kathryn Terrell
