Throughout history, philosophers have inquired into the purpose of our existence. According to Aristotle, the renowned philosopher of the fourth century BC, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” From a certain perspective, Christians can find common ground with Aristotle, in that Christianity enables long-term happiness through the purpose, meaning, values, and direction that come with following Jesus Christ. Do you yearn for a deeper purpose and meaning in your life, perhaps even in the afterlife? Do you ever wonder if life offers more than the fleeting happiness often found in career, hobbies, sensory pleasure, and beyond even the fulfillment of family life? Christians respond with a resounding YES. . . Continue reading to explore further.

Background

Unlike all other species of animals, humans are unique in their needs and aspirations, which extend beyond mere survival and carnal pleasure. Many of us strive to discover a deeper meaning and purpose in life, as we seek fulfillment and contentment. Do you? Some of us may have a differing opinion, in part because our aspirations are bound by our human limitations, and so recognize no greater purpose than our life here on earth. For example, the famous atheist scientist Richard Dawkins argues, "The universe that we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but pitiless indifference.” In this regard, Christian Pastor Rick Warren can ironically find common ground with Dawkins: "Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope."

Christianity directly rejects this depressing outlook of atheism, where our Creator, through His Son Jesus, clearly provides the purpose and meaning in our lives that we crave. He designed us with a built-in need relationship with Him, and without fulfilling that need true happiness will elude us. As St. Augustine famously said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you (God).” 

Christianity is founded on the narrative of our creation; man’s fall and God’s plan to rescue us.  This can be summarized as follows: 1.) God the Father created the universe through His Son Jesus (Heb. 1:1–4); 2.) God designed us as men and women who have an intrinsic need to commune with Him (Gen. 1:26–28); 3.) Because of human failures —Adam and Eve’s, mine, yours— we have been alienated from our Creator; and yet 4.) God, from the beginning, had a plan to rectify these sins through the redemptive life and sacrifice of His Son Jesus (see John 3:14–18). These narrative points form the crux of the Christian story, prophesized first in the Old Testament and then fulfilled—as documented in the New Testament—in Jesus’s life, death, Resurrection, and Ascension into heaven, and His sending of the Holy Spirit (our Helper) at Pentecost.  

Christians believe their purpose in life is to acknowledge, honor, love, and follow God through the teachings of His Son Jesus Christ. Although each individual may have a distinct purpose or mission in the Christian story, this purpose is grounded in the shared objective of utilizing our God-given gifts and circumstances to fulfill this common goal.

Christianity not only offers meaning and purpose to our lives, but also provides direction and guidance on how to live such a life. For example, the Ten Commandments serve as a fundamental framework to govern our conduct. In addition, Jesus greatly deepened this guidance through both His teachings (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount [Matt. 5—7]) and His personal witness (John 13:34–35; Eph. 5:25; see also Luke 22:37 and Isa. 53:12). 

Also, as we presented under the topic “Forgiveness,” it is essential for Christians to reflect on our actions, addressing both  “sins of commission” (bad actions committed) and “sins of omission” (good actions omitted). As noted, the latter are sins in which we choose not to do what is right in response to particular circumstances. By engaging in this self-reflection, Christians strive to align their behaviors with the teachings of Jesus Christ and lead a life that exemplifies their faith.

Summary

If you find yourself satisfied with your current life and direction, and so have no desire or need for a higher purpose with moral clarity in this twenty-first century, which now is embracing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), then maybe this topic is of little interest to you. We hope and pray not. Instead, if you are seeking deeper meaning and guidance during your remaining time here on earth, we encourage you to delve deeper into the available resources provided here.

Please engage through the provided links with videos, documents, quotes, and books that illustrate further how Christianity can provide you with ultimate purpose and meaning in your life. Indeed, Jesus’s teachings can help you better understand how to live in accord with your loving Creator, discovering, in the process, your role in the Christian story.