WHAT IS MY PURPOSE IN THIS WORLD?
This is a question that has occupied human minds for centuries and was especially heavy on mine before I came to know Jesus Christ. Even today, it is a question that many ask, consciously or subconsciously. We all wonder: Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Who is behind it all?
This question arises because life appears suddenly. We come into this world without a formal agreement or understanding, and we leave it just as suddenly, often without warning. These realities push us to search for meaning, to experiment with knowledge, pleasure, and achievements, hoping to find an answer that justifies our existence.
Even if you are asking this question today, you are not wrong. In fact, it shows wisdom. But here is an important advice: before you attempt to answer it solely on your own, consider those who asked this question before you. Observe the paths they took, their successes, and their failures. This way, you avoid repeating unnecessary mistakes and wasting valuable time on fruitless pursuits.
The Bible, God’s Word, provides the clearest answer to this question. The book that addresses it most directly is Ecclesiastes. I encourage you to read it carefully, in order, and with attention, because by the end, you will find the answer.
The author of Ecclesiastes is Solomon, son of David, whom the Bible describes as the wisest man to have ever lived, as well as extraordinarily wealthy and influential (1 Kings 4:29–34, NIV). Solomon’s wisdom was a gift from God (1 Kings 3:12), intended not merely for personal benefit but to understand God’s creation and the human condition.
Solomon sought to understand the meaning of life. He wanted to find lasting joy and fulfillment. He said he would try everything. He started with knowledge, studying diligently. He gained understanding of every plant, animal, and creature, and the wisdom within them (1 Kings 4:33–34, NIV). He solved difficult riddles, wrote proverbs, and authored many works—all in search of life’s ultimate purpose. Yet, the more he sought worldly wisdom, the more he realized its limitations: it could not satisfy the human heart (Ecclesiastes 1:18, ESV).
He then turned to pleasure, marrying 700 wives and 300 concubines from royal and noble families, hoping beauty and companionship would bring joy. But it did not (Ecclesiastes 2:8–9).
He amassed wealth, built magnificent houses, and lived in daily luxury. Yet, even these things could not provide true meaning. He tried wine, indulgence, and entertainment, but he found them all “meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14, ESV). He pursued success, wealth, and great achievements, hoping to unlock life’s secret, but all proved empty.
Finally, in his old age, Solomon came to a profound realization: life apart from God is meaningless. Creation itself shows God’s eternal order: rivers flow and return to their sources, the sun rises and sets, the wind follows its cycle—everything obeys God’s law (Ecclesiastes 1:7). No matter how far we try to go on our own, we are ultimately dependent on God. True freedom and purpose are found in Him.
This is why Ecclesiastes concludes: the essence of life is to fear God and keep His commandments.
Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (ESV):“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.”
The ultimate answer to life’s meaning is found in Jesus Christ, who gives eternal life and restores fellowship with God.
John 3:16 (NIV):“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Receiving Jesus Christ gives life a clear purpose. Eternal life brings freedom from fear, anxiety, and the futility of worldly pursuits. Life becomes filled with peace and joy, even amidst trials, because we live under God’s perfect guidance and promises (Romans 8:28, ESV).
Ecclesiastes 8:6–7 (ESV):“For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery. For no one knows what will happen, for who can tell them what will be after them?”
If you are still searching for life’s meaning, today is the day to stop wandering. Follow Jesus. Let Him heal your soul, give you hope, and grant you eternal peace. Life on earth becomes a joyful journey when aligned with God’s plan, instead of chasing empty pursuits.
If you are ready to invite Christ into your life, pray with faith:
“Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging that I am a sinner and have done many wrongs, deserving judgment. But You, Lord, are merciful. Today I ask for Your forgiveness and help. I repent sincerely of all my sins, and I confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. I ask that His holy blood cleanse me and make me a new creation starting today and forever. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for receiving me and forgiving me. Amen.”
After this prayer, demonstrate your repentance through actions: turn away from sinful behavior, join a church, study the Bible, and receive baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38, NIV). By doing so, the Lord will guide you with His saving light all the days of your life.
Romans 6:4 (NIV): reminds us:“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
May God bless you abundantly as you begin this journey of true purpose and eternal life.
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