Why Were You Born?
One question consistently shows up as one of the most-asked of all time. Most certainly you've asked yourself this question at one time or another. Some say it is "unanswerable." Simply put, the question reads like this: "Why was I born?" At some point in our lives, we ask: "Is there any reason for my existence?"
It's a critical question. If we understand the answer, we have hope beyond measure. If we understand the purpose of our existence and embrace it, we can withstand almost anything!
So what is the answer?
One ancient biblical writer called our human life "this sore travail" or "a heavy burden [that] God has laid on men!" (Ecclesiastes 1:13) Do you ever feel that way? Or are you excited, enthusiastic—even joyous—about your present life and your future?
Are we cosmic accidents, a speck of meaningless nothing in a vast universe? Is anybody or anything greater than us now engaged, knowledgeable of, or even remotely interested in our life?
In our most reflective moments we may dare venture into these thoughts. Some conclusions may be pleasant and inspiring. Some may not. Are we simply the result of mindless statistical chance? Do we live and die and then become forever extinct?
Or is there a magnificent, incredible, awe-inspiring purpose?
As a teenager about fifty years ago I pondered these questions deeply. Our family was actively connected with religion, but, I felt a distance from God. There was uncertainty and fear about what followed this life. It bothered me. How could I KNOW?
An answer did come to me….and answer that still directs my life to this day a half century later! What about you?
God speaks to us through an incredible spiritual platform: the Bible. The Bible reveals who He is and what we mean to Him.
The authoritative Word of God declares that God is the Creator of the heavens and earth. He is the giver of life. Remarkably, He created Man in His own image!
It is too easy to gloss over the profound implications of this critical statement in the very beginning of the Bible:
"Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness." (Genesis 1:26).
According to the Bible, from the very beginning men and women were to have God-like attributes and skills. But, that's only the start!
As one studies the Bible, we find that each and every person was created to have a direct relationship with God. Given free will, we are offered the capacity to choose. We can choose in this life to embrace this direct relationship, which will extend throughout eternity! It is not a passive or unattractive state of existence, but an exciting life to really look forward to each and every day!
Further, we learn in the first chapter of Genesis that we are given responsibility to manage God's creation, being given authority and power over the physical things of this earth (Genesis 1:26-29). That responsibility forms the basis for an eternal relationship in the coming Kingdom of God, which was the focal point of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry.
The Bible reveals that Jesus Himself will be over this Kingdom.
Isaiah prophesied: "For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder…Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. (Isaiah 9:6-7). Further, when the angel announced Jesus' birth to Mary he said this: "He [Jesus] will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end." (Luke 1:32-33).
As Jesus Himself said, human words fail to completely and adequately describe the wonders and majesty of this coming Kingdom of God! (Luke 13)
The meaning of life for you and me is so exciting and compelling that I plan to write more about it. This is only a small beginning.
Understanding your purpose in life and committing to it brings the presence of real power from God. This power, delivered through the Holy Spirit, enables us to transform life-sapping meaninglessness into power-filled meaning and purpose!
If you'd like to know more now, I invite to study for yourself the answer to "Why Were You Born?" Our Bible study guide titled What is Your Destiny? can help. It is available free for instant download and in physical form. Further, if you go to the United Church of God website at www.ucg.org and enter "Why Were You Born?" in the search box in the upper right hand of the page you will find much information to read and study about the subject.
No question has more profound implications for you. I invite you to start today in answering it!
P.S. Thanks to all who have written me at victor_kubik@ucg.org I read every response and value their comments. As you study and read further, I invite you to write to me about your thoughts about "Why were you born?"
