What On Earth Am I Here For Series

What On Earth Am I Here For

GNLCC 10-10-2004 Psalm 139:1-17 Ephesians 1:3-17

Today we’re going to look at life’s three greatest questions: 1) The question of existence – why am I alive? 2) the question of significance – does my life matter? and 3) the question of intention – what is my purpose?

Now this first question, the “Question of Existence: Why am I alive?” is not exactly a new question. It was asked thousands of years ago. In fact, Jeremiah asked it in Jeremiah 20:18, it says this “Why was I born? Was it only to have trouble and sorrow, to end my life in disgrace?” Has anyone here ever had a really bad day and you wondered “Was I born just to have a bunch of problems? Was I put on this planet just to have heartache, grief and stress?

If you asked some people what the purpose in life is, based on their actions they’re saying 1) It’s all about the Benjamins. Get as many as you can, however you can 2) it’s about finding a man of your own and having his baby 3) it’s about getting as many women in bed as possible with no commitment attached, 4) it’s about getting a good education and getting a good job for security 5) it’s about having a good time before your die, and 6) it’s to discover who you are on the inside.

You know, those are tragic statements saint, because the life without purpose isn’t a life worth living. It is no coincidence that the suicide rate in our society has gone up. Did you know that suicide is s now the No. 2 killer of teenage students? You see, if you take God out of the equation, you don’t really have very many alternatives. Young people need more than the mystical approach which says “look within and find your purpose within.” You know if that really worked, all of us would know our purpose. I’m sure you’ve tried that. Is there anybody like me who looked within and found somebody you know needed to change. It takes more than looking within yourself..

Some people think, “The purpose of life is just to stay alive.” In other words, live as long as you can. Some people think, “The purpose of life is just to keep on making sure there is somebody coming after you.” In other words, you’re just here for biological reasons.

Rap artist, Ice T, wrote, “The only reason we’re here is to reproduce. Just chill out and reproduce. Keep the species alive.” Does that mean once we’re no longer able to have children we should just up and die.

The party person thinks the purpose of life is pleasure – have fun, party, celebration time come on .” They live for Friday or Saturday night when they plan to go out and have a good time.?

The look at me person says, “Life is all about the bling, bling, the designer clothes, and the fine cars.” Your life is measured by the things you own. You know the problem with that is that the person who dies with the most toys, still dies. And so, these are not really satisfying answers.

Each type of these characters is really saying the same thing. They are saying ; “You’ve got to invent your purpose.” You’ve got to create your own purpose in life. And they all give the same basic approach – discover your dreams, go after your goals, have some ambitions, dream big dreams, aim high, believe you can achieve, have faith, figure out what you’re good at, never give up, involve other people. Now those are all good advice and they will, if you do those things, make you a success in life.

But being a success and knowing your purpose in life are not the same thing. You can be a raving success in life and still never know, “What on earth am I here for?” Do you remember the rich fool who had it all, but didn’t expect to die anytime soon.

What did God put you on this earth for? You see, the purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment. It’s far greater than your own happiness. Even your own peace of mind. You were made by God and you were made for God and you were put here for His purposes. And until you understand that, life isn’t going to make sense.

Think about it , why does God want us here? Why are we alive? Why are we on this planet? Is there a reason? Well, the Bible says this in Proverbs 16.4, “The Lord has made everything for His own purpose.” It’s for His purpose. Now God has never made anything without a purpose. Every rock has a purpose, every plant has a purpose, every animal even the spider in your bathroom, has a purpose and if you’re alive, you have a purpose.