“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
(Letter to the Ephesians, chapter 2, verse 10*)
The creator of logotherapy, Viktor Frankl, was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist of Jewish descent, who spent months in concentration camps, where he lost almost his entire family and young wife. In the camps, he practically observed his theory; that no matter how horrific the circumstances around us are, as long as a person finds meaning to live, they will overcome anything. However, once the meaning is lost, then that is their end. He wrote: “Human life never ceases to have meaning, regardless of the circumstances, including suffering, deprivation, and death.”
The time of Nazism is now history. However, our contemporary society has its own challenges that we fight today. Times and their difficulties change, but we know that the Lord and His word remain unchanged, applicable to every problem we face. The issue of a lack of meaning in life is universal. We all need to know WHY we do certain things, WHY we must overcome certain hardships, WHY we were born, and WHY we exist.
What is God’s purpose in creating us? You may know what the meaning of your life is, or perhaps you have never understood why you breathe and exist.
Today, think about the reason you get up every morning. Recall what has sustained you in the hardest moments of your life, what has inspired your greatest achievement, whatever it may be. Is it possible that you have found different meanings in different situations?
If so, then we should think not so much about the temporary motive, but about the greater reason for our very existence.
We are created for God’s glory and for good works
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!” (First Corinthians, chapter 10, verse 31*)
“Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by observing your good works, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (First Peter, chapter 2, verse 12*)
No matter what exactly you are doing, what profession, skills, or capabilities you have, if you glorify God with them and reveal His glory, you are fulfilling your calling. Perhaps you are not at the workplace where you will retire or doing the most inspiring or satisfying work, but know that this is temporary. What is eternal is how and for Whom you are working. Places and circumstances change, but your mission remains – to bring glory to God by thinking, speaking, and acting like Christ Himself.
Fatigue, lack of satisfaction, chasing the wrong meaning in life, or forgetting our true calling are enemies of this mission – to live for the glory of God.
Question for reflection during the week: What have you been pursuing over the last few months in your personal or professional life? Does this goal glorify God and how? If it does not glorify Him, how could you change your goal and what other meaning can you embrace for your life?
*The biblical quotes are according to the text of Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013.
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