THE MEANING AND PURPOSE OF LIFE

INTRODUCTION

Every human being should be aware that Satan is very real.  Originally he was an angel of God, but through his own pride and corruption Michael fought against that dragon, the accuser, the devil, the serpent and ruler of fallen angels or demons.  Even though Lucifer and his demons fought back, they were not strong enough.  He and his angels lost their place in Heaven.  Satan was hurled down to the earth with his fellow demonic soldiers.  They are highly determined to lead the whole world astray, if Christians fail to mount the greatest spiritual resistant against them (Rev. 12:7-9).

Fortunately, Christ already defeated the devil during His victorious death on the cross.  A war between the forces of angel Michael and evil has since been underway.  Satan’s ultimate defeat was at Christ’s resurrection.1

Even though God permits the accuser to do his evil work in this world, God is still in control, because Jesus has complete power over Satan.  Meanwhile, Satan continues to attack and pursue people, especially believers.  We must guard against being vulnerable in our faith, being spiritually weak, and being too isolated from the company of other regenerate Christian believers (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Christians should not just carry their worries, stresses, daily struggles, manifold problems and challenges of life all by themselves.  It will seem as if they have no trust in God and have not surrendered their lives fully to Him.  Praying and talking with other mature Christians, will help them realize and recognize that God can fully care for His own.  Even when we think that struggles caused by our sins and foolishness may not be God’s concern, we must not delay to turn to God in repentance.  Do not submit to your anxieties or the difficult circumstances around you.  Commit them to God who controls all circumstances.2

Without God we are actually lost.  We feel afraid, feel empty inside and we act badly toward each other.  God knew how much we needed to see the face of one who would make us feel warm, safe and welcome.  God also knew how hard it is to understand His will and purposes.  He sent His Son – Jesus Christ, to show us the way, help us understand and lead us to triumph.3

No matter how much we possess or how much money we make, Christians must not backside or apostate from the faith.  They should maintain their vital relationship with Christ.

Some members of the Laodicean Church had numerous material possessions or blessings from God.  The Church and city were very wealthy.  However, the riches soon appeared to be more valuable to them than God – who is unseen but sovereign and eternal.  Witness how God saw them in their backslidden state:

You say “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.   But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  I counsel to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich and have white clothes to wear, so that you can cover your shameful nakedness; … (Revelation 3:17-18).

Wealth, luxury and too much ease can make people feel too confident, satisfied and complacent.  This could even distract Christians from being rich in Christ.  A life of that nature has no divine purpose for living.  A meaningless life perpetrates evil, majors in the misuse of talents, of funds, resources, time, energy, cherishes embezzlement, gambling, conflicts, terrorism, murder or sin generally, to gratify the flesh, ego, Satan and deliberately abhors fellow human beings, goodness and God.  A life of morality that is closely linked to faith in Christ, which bears the fruit of the Holy Spirit and is grounded and rooted in a strong relationship with the Living God, is a meaningful and purposeful one.