Philosopher's End

One of the key questions for philosophers is the "ultimate question" -- What is the purpose of life? Why are we here? Assuming (as I certainly do) that there is a God, why did He make us?

Despite the obvious problem with it, most of our answers revolve around us. Plato thought it was so we could gather as much knowledge as possible. Epicurus thought it was to seek pleasure. Existentialism holds that it is simply that we exist. Pragmatism argues that it is to experience life. Nihilists and absurdists suggest there is no meaning. And then there is the everyday human who will answer simpler things like to accumulate money or power or fame or love. Much of society today would argue that the meaning of life is found in sex. In all cases we are the ultimate arbiter and the ultimate reason for our own existence.

Christians don't often fare much better. While we sometimes recognize that the reason for being is found in God, we often tend to think that His primary thoughts are about us ... and we're right back to the same place. Our existence is primarily about us.

What does God have to say about it?

Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth, everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made" (Isa 43:6-7).

Apparently, from God's perspective, God made humans for His own glory. Apparently God's primary concern is that He would be most glorified. We were made in His image to reflect His glory. All that we do is to be done to His glory (1 Cor 10:31). According to Isa 48:9-11, even our salvation is for His glory.

Things exist for a reason, a purpose. If you understand the purpose, then you are better able to make the best use of it. We are created for the glory of God. If all that we do is done for the glory of God, that would be the best use of our time and effort, the matching of our existence to God's purpose for us. All glory to God!