This is a question to ponder. Perhaps many people have never thought on it seriously.

Someone may be convinced that he is here quite by accident. He did not result from planned parenthood. He may think of himself as no more than a biological product. Indeed, thousands of people are born as unplanned children, some as unwanted children, and not a few are left to the mercy of society.

Regardless of how we came to be here, the fact is that we are here, and we need to think on why God has granted life. Rather than dwell on the circumstances surrounding birth, whether someone wanted us or not, how we were treated in childhood, and the kind of parents who brought us forth, we need to focus on the true meaning of life.

There is more to our being here than mere physical existence. Man is a biological creature, but of far greater importance, he is made in the image of God (Gen. 1:26,27). Man possesses a soul that is not mortal (Matt. 10:28). While our bodies come from our fleshly parents, the soul or spirit comes from God (Heb. 12:9).

Whether our parents wanted us or not, the heavenly Father wants our lives to be devoted to his service. Whether our parents loved us or not, God loves every one of us. Whether our parents took any interest in us or not, God is very much interested.

It is sad that so many people attempt to measure life by material possessions. Success often is gauged by what one has, not by what he is. Christ said, ". . . A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth" (Lk. 12:15). Again, he said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26) "Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?" (Matt. 6:25).

Why am I here? What is life all about? The "Father of spirits" has not left us to grope in the dark. He has not left us to stumble and wander aimlessly. He has revealed his plan and purpose for us. We need to open the Scriptures and investigate.

Why am I here? Should I cast off all restraint and do whatever affords pleasure? Should I act in a selfish, anti-social manner? Should I deny myself everything that is pleasurable?

The Bible teaches succinctly on this all-important subject.

We are here to glorify God. He sent his son into the world to die for our sins. Through faith in Christ we have access into the grace of God. "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" (1 Cor. 6:20). Each life either brings honor to God or else it brings reproach on his name.

We are here to magnify Christ. "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death" (Phil. 1:20). Failure to honor the Son is failure to honor the Father who sent him (John 5:23).

We are here to help other people. "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10). The strong must help the weak (Rom. 15:1). The faithful must carry the gospel to the unenlightened. We are taught to have care and concern one for another.

We are here to prepare for heaven. We are begotten to a living hope through Christ, "to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet. 1:4). The Son of God left heaven and lived among men in order that we might enter heaven after finishing our brief span on earth. This present life is intended of God to be preparatory for the never-ending life to come.

How dreadful for one to live out his days on this earth with little or no thought of his responsibility and accountability to God. Why am I here? Old and young need to examine this question. The rich and the poor need to think about it. Everyone needs to face up to the purpose of life.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 10, p. 296
May 19, 1988