(Editor’s note: The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column titled “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a different faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. For information on becoming part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
By Rev. Nathan Tomlinson
Pastor, Christ Church of Franklin County
For many, this is a troubling question. Whether you are a college student about to graduate, or a middle-aged employee looking back at an ordinary career, you have probably toyed with this question at some point. And yet, for most, the answer seems frustratingly elusive.
It is increasingly important in our society to think that each person’s goal, purpose or “end” in life is discovered. And this discovery is left up to the individual — and that individual alone. The idea is that whatever I desire most, whatever makes me feel best, that is my purpose. Of course, we run into trouble with this. Whose happiness matters the most? If one’s purpose negates the freedom of someone else’s goals — which is more important?
God Himself gives us the answer, “For of [God] and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36) Humankind’s main purpose for existence, that which supersedes all other goals, enjoyments or purpose, is to glorify God. We don’t tend to like this answer; after all, it hurts our egos. But who should get the final say, the Creator or the creature?
Isaiah the prophet declared firmly that the Creator alone is to determine our purpose; “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8) Jesus Christ, by whom all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible (Colossians 1:16), calls upon us to find our purpose in what He desires: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Our reason for being here is God’s glory — and He is glorified not when we follow whatever makes us happiest, but when we follow that which makes Him most happy. His pleasure, not our own, is why we are here. But this does not mean that life is to be a depressing, burdensome slavery, for our purpose also includes enjoyment.
Our natures tell us to enjoy ourselves, or whatever pleasure comes our way. So 2 Peter 3 warns us of the world’s trinity: to indulge in “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, the pride of life.” We are tempted to think that the enjoyment of God in this life is not enjoyment at all. Our hearts are all too often far from what King David felt: “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and weary land, where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and glory. Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.” (Psalm 63:1-3)
David saw what we so often ignore, that this life holds no greater pleasure than entering into the place of worship and knowing the intimate and personal fellowship that we have with God in Christ. And not only is that the greatest enjoyment we might have in this life, but it is part of our very purpose in living. In a world where so many of us do seemingly pointless tasks each day, we are given a purpose that brings us the best enjoyment!
And this purpose does not end with our earthly life. When encouraging a group of discouraged Christians, the greatest thing that the Apostle Paul can say regarding heaven is, ‘then we shall always be with the Lord.” (1 Thess. 4:17) And those who are with the Lord never cease to engage in this wonderful dual task of glorifying and enjoying Him. This is what we see so clearly in Revelation chapter 4: Angels and resurrected believers are gathered around God’s Throne, shouting praises to God the Father and Jesus Christ. In Heaven the singing is continuous, for the One glorified and enjoyed is clearly seen, and He is worthy to receive all glory, honor and praise.
This is why I am here. This is why you are here, too.