Jagadish “Jaggi” Vasudev, better known by the honorific title “Sadhguru,” an Indian yoga guru and proponent of spirituality once remarked: “If you are too serious about everything, you will only know thoughts and emotions. You will not know life.” 1 John 1:7 confirms: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
The meaning of life appertains to the significance of living or existence in general. Life has much to offer, even though some don’t actually accept or realize it. For some, it inculcates a certain charm and enjoyment, for others, it has nothing to offer except misery and disdain. Life has sometimes been compared to the spiritual difference between light and darkness. In the light, there is happiness and fulfillment, whereas, in darkness, there is often only gloom and despondency. Some might even equate it to be the implication between divine or demonic influences. John 8:12 reminds us: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Our own perspective on life can dominate the way that we lead it. If we can laugh about, or shrug off the misfortunes and tribulations encountered during experiences of adversity and still maintain a positive outlook, we stand less chance of falling prey to its difficulties.
In certain respects, it doesn’t matter what is happening in the world, whether it be good or bad. What really matters is that we are alive and as such living a life. It may not always feel perfect, but it is a purposeful existence. Perhaps we should accept and be grateful for what we have, because as the saying goes, we are a long time dead. Life at times may appear strange to us. Sometimes we can’t see the logic about what is happening. Issues are clouded. They may seem absurd or even unrealistic.
Life itself can take many forms and each person on this planet will all experience different events and react accordingly in their own respective way. Some will endure more hardship than others. Some will experience more pleasure and happiness than many. In reality and to some extent, life is what we make it. Our goals and achievements determine the resulting factors that make or break the quality of life.
If we examine our own life in depth, we may feel that it is necessary to change certain aspects of it to improve it. This provides the necessary tools to live life to its fullest extent. What people deem to be a perfect life will vary according to each individual. Each will have their own independent perspectives and views on the benefit and qualities of an ideal life. Some may require more sustenance than others, some will require less. But whatever the outcome, it is usually up to us to achieve what we want out of life. Obviously, the less we need, is far more reachable than those of us who require more and the final outcome is basically down to stamina, qualities and strengths. There is always a reason for our existence here on earth and the assurity of that is related to God who defines a particular individualistic purpose in our lives, no matter how large or small that may be. He suggests a particular road for us to travel along. There may be slight deviations on that road according to our own preferences, but basically, we can relate it to: "The Meaning of Life." Our own life.
Life could be said to be prepared by God and sustained by us. None of us can tell what God has in store for us or define a particular reason for being here until it is revealed. The less resistance we provide, the more easily our intended purpose will be fulfilled. The more easily our purpose is fulfilled, the more enjoyment we will receive from it and the more satisfaction we will sustain.
In Luke 22:22-40 we read about Christ's presentation at the temple which was required by the law of Moses and the part that Simeon and Anna play in it. They probably never dreamed that their particular acts and words had been predetermined by God as essential to fulfilling prophecy. But their meaning and purpose in life had been achieved.
Some have said that not to have a predetermined purpose in life, is really, not to have any purpose at all. This vision pre-supposes that for something to have a purpose, it must have been created with a purpose in mind. People need to have a clear and definitive purpose in life as this invokes ambition and intention. For some, life can appear repetitive, but that does not preclude the possibility of a mid-course deviation from the norm, and a re-routing to a new goal, especially if it is at the will and purpose of God.
The meaning of life, as we perceive it, is derived from philosophical and religious contemplation of, and scientific inquiries about existence, social ties, consciousness, and happiness. Many other issues may also be involved. Scientific contributions focus primarily on describing related facts about the universe, exploring the context and parameters concerning the "how" part of life.
Science also studies and can provide recommendations for the pursuit of well-being and a related conception of morality. An alternative, humanistic approach may pose the question, "What is the meaning of my life?" The simple answer to that question is to enjoy His fruitfulness and work to His glory. If human life has not been created with any predetermined purpose, then what is the point of man’s existence? All life has a purpose even if it may appear otherwise. Ralph Waldo Emerson, an American essayist and philosopher once remarked: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” There is little doubt that every living person has a definitive purpose and true meaning. God may just wish to wait and see what we are actually capable of achieving before He sets our target.
A waiting game, as it may be called, may give us uncertainties, because it may appear that God has no particular plans for us. But, He is actually allowing us to live a life that we want to, up to an identified point, when He decides what He wants us to achieve. The story of Moses is a classic example of this thinking. We may feel that it would be impossible to achieve on our own merits, but everything in life is achievable with the right help and guidance. John 14:6 confirms: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Amen.
