The Meaning of Life
He has told you, O person, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
There are many ways to find meaning in your life if God is at the center of the journey. God is not just the end goal but a fundamental aspect of finding meaning. Thomas Oppong, in his article, “Your Only Goal Is Meaning: How to Live Well,” presents the profound quote by Joseph Campbell, “Life is without meaning. You bring the meaning to it. The meaning of life is whatever you ascribe it to be. Being alive is the meaning.” The idea of being alive is our call as human beings.
Self-improvement enhances meaning in life, but alone, it will leave us wanting. Self-improvement is important for where it takes us on the journey rather than the reason for the journey itself. The goal is not simply about bettering ourselves but cultivating ourselves to enhance the lives of others and to honor God. Oppong continues quoting others when he provides Will Durant’s words, “To give life a meaning, one must have a purpose larger than self.” A meaningful life is a journey beyond oneself.
Oppong borrows a different quote from Rasheed Ogunlaru, “there are essentially two questions in life-a spiritual question and a material question. The spiritual question is ‘Who am I?’ The material question is ‘What am I to do with my life?’ One leads to the other.” I am a child of God, so the meaning is found in a relationship with our Triune God. What I am to do with my life is to honor God and bring honor to others through humble care, respect, and compassion.
Today, reflect on your life choices. Who are you? Are your life choices in harmony with who you are as a person and child of God? Remember, you are never too old to stop asking, what am I to do with my life? If we have breath, we have some opportunity to live with meaning. Several years ago, I visited a woman bound to her bed in a care facility. She remained optimistic. So, I asked how she retained meaning in her life, as limited as it had become. She responded, “I care for the emotional and spiritual needs of the staff who cares for us. They have tough jobs, and many have demanding lives away from work. They know I have an open-door policy. Some staff comes in for quick visits during work and longer visits before or after their shifts. I am a listener, and it seems to help.” So, set out on your journey to remain alive, and God will bless you with meaning, no matter your circumstances.