Have the circumstances of your life ever provoked you to ask the Question, “Why am I here?” Perhaps your questions have been more desperate kind like, “Why was I ever born?” or “Is this all there is to life?” You are not alone. The Wisest man who ever lived described life as monotonous and meaningless. In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon’s quest was for the worthwhile in life (Ecclesiastes 1:4-8). The question that echoes through the book of Ecclesiastes is “What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?” We might express it in a way today: We go to bed late, we get up early, we go to work, we drive home, eat, go to bed, to get up early, to go back to work, to come home. And as if that were enough, we are plagued with making ends meet financially, fighting off the latest virus, hoping to avoid some dreaded disease, mistreated at work, and abused at home, and then we die. Every aspect of life seems vain. It is like striving after the wind.

There was a man named Job who pondered the significance of life after losing his livestock, his children, and even his health. All that was left of him was the breath of life and his wife who counseled him to renounce God and die. Job was a desperate man in a desperate situation. He even made statements like, “May the day perish on which I was born, and the night in which it was said, ‘A Male child is conceived’” (Job 3:3-12). And Job had a bunch of fair weathered friends who believed Job had done some despicably wicked thing to have fallen victim to the calamities described in the first two chapters of Job. Even though they were all wrong. So, how do we make sense of life and the varying circumstances in which we find ourselves?

Today I want us to consider some passages:
“Even every one that is called by my name: For I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.” (Isaiah 43:7, KJV)
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1, KJV)
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16, KJV)
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, KJV)
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV)

The Scriptures make it clear that the purpose of all creation is to glorify God. To glorify God is to magnify Him. In particular, the God we are to glorify is the One who reveals Himself to us through Scriptures and through nature.  

In the introduction of Paul’s letter to the saints in Rome, he writes of those who, knowing God, “glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks,” and he tells us that “they became vain in their reasoning and their senseless heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21). How could anyone actually expect to successfully cope with the conflicts of life if they became vain in their reasoning and their senseless hearts are darkened?

Are you beginning to see how vital a clear perspective on the purpose of life is in relationship to coping with problems? Not having a clear vision of the reason for our existence may vary well be one of our biggest problems of all. So, how can God be glorified in your life? The same way He has always been glorified: by faithful obedience to His will. In so doing, our lives prove that such a life is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2). Obedience is equated with good works, for which we have been created (Ephesians 2:10). Those works spring forth from a full heart of faith in God.
              A common problem for many of us is being so wrapped up in gratifying our own wants and needs that we forget it is God we are to serve. We become a problem oriented that we take our eyes off God and lose our focus on the very purpose for our existence. When our focus is on the cares and riches and pleasures of life, Gods Word is choked out and no fruit in our life is brought to perfection (Luke 8:14).

Knowing that our ultimate purpose in life is to bring glory to God, will resolve a lot of the problems that we face in our everyday life. For instance, consider how you might revolutionize every area of your life knowing that the reason for your existence is to glorify God. It would change we way we treat our spouse, change the way we seek happiness, change the way we treat our children, change the way we would talk to others, and the list can go on and on. Too many people are so focused on themselves and try to bring glory to themselves that they are missing the mark. Let us strive to fulfill our purpose in life and that is to bring glory and honor to God!

Steven Lloyd

Joshua is a great Bible character from whom many lessons can be gleaned. He is one of the men of the Bible who lived for Jehovah from his youth to his death. This one trait sets Joshua apart from many in the world who waste their youth or use it in the service of Satan. Moses describes Joshua as “a young man” in Exodus 33:11 (ASV unless otherwise noted). When this description is given, Joshua is busy serving Jehovah by serving as Moses’ minister. What a thrill it must have been for Joshua, as a “young man“, to associate with Moses and learn from him. Moses is busy preparing Joshua to take his place in leading the children of Israel. When the time came for Joshua to die (at the age of 110), he was still described as the “servant of Jehovah” (Joshua 24:29). Joshua had lived for Jehovah from his youth until his death. The church of Christ needs youth who will dedicate their lives to Jehovah and live for him until their deaths. Joshua should serve as a role model for the youth of today. We would do well to study the Bible concerning Joshua and learn what is involved in living for Jehovah from youth until death. Let us suggest four activities engaged in by Joshua that will help people live for Jehovah from youth until death.
 
JOSHUA WAS WILLING TO FIGHT IN JEHOVAH’S ARMY
We are first introduced to Joshua in Exodus 17:8-16. Amalek has come to fight against Israel in Rephidim. Moses sends Joshua to lead Jehovah’s army into battle against this foe. Joshua is obedient to the command of Moses (Exodus 17:13). The outcome of the battle is stated by Moses when he said: “And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword” (Exodus 17:13). Joshua was willing to use his talents to defend the people of God. We need youth today who are willing to enlist in Jehovah’s army and fight to defend His will. Youth need to obey the Gospel plan of salvation and then “war the good warfare” (1 Tim. 1:18). We must encourage our youth to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Tim. 6:12) and to be willing to “suffer hardship” as a “good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:3-4). When youth are trained to fight for Jehovah, they may grow and develop skills that will allow them, at the end of a faithful life, to say they “have fought the good fight” (2 Tim. 4:7).
 
JOSHUA WAS WILLING TO SERVE IN JEHOVAH’S ACTIVITIES
Joshua is described as Moses’ minister (Exodus 24:13; 33:11). There is no indication that Joshua was jealous because he was not immediately promoted to be the leader of Israel. Joshua defended Moses’ leadership and sought to protect it (Num. 11:28). When he served Moses, he was in reality, serving Jehovah. It is in the capacity as Moses’ servant, that we learn that Joshua began serving Jehovah as a “young man” (Exodus 33:11). As Moses’ minister, Joshua went some distance with Moses when Moses went up into the mount (Exodus 24:13; 32:17). Joshua guarded the Tent (Exodus 33:11). While all his work is not recorded, we may know that he busied himself in the work of Jehovah. Let’s encourage our young men and women to work for Jehovah according to His scriptural guidelines. Let us encourage them as Christians to be busy about the things of their Father (Luke 2:49). Let us lay the proper foundation for their activity by teaching them the truths of Titus 2:4-6. If we can encourage our youth to begin being active in Jehovah’s activities, we may help them be able to live for Him and serve Him from youth until death.
 
JOSHUA WAS WILLING TO TRUST JEHOVAH’S ABILITY
Joshua was one of the twelve spies sent out by Moses (Num. 13:7,16). He was one of the two spies who trusted Jehovah’s ability to give Israel the land of Canaan. Joshua reminded Israel that “if Jehovah delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it unto us” (Num. 14:9). Joshua’s trust in the ability of Jehovah led him to exhort Israel to “rebel not against Jehovah, neither fear ye the people of the land” (Num. 14:9). He knew the presence of Jehovah and the faithfulness of the people would guarantee the victory. Youth must be taught to “trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding” (Prov. 3:5). We must lead our youth to face peer pressure, temptation and sin with an abiding trust in the ability of Jehovah, through His word, to deliver them. Let us remind them that the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13) has been made available. Let us help them learn “the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation” (2 Peter 2:9). If youth can develop an undying trust in Jehovah’s ability, they can live from youth until death for Him.
 
JOSHUA WAS WILLING TO LEAD BY JEHOVAH’S AUTHORITY
Joshua was commissioned to take Moses’ place (Num. 27:15-23; Deut. 34:9). Jehovah gave Joshua His book to guide him and promised success if he would follow the book (Josh. 1:1-9). Joshua was willing to lead as Jehovah directed. He did not try to write his own book of action. He was content with the pattern given him by Jehovah. His obedience is seen when “he left nothing undone of all that Jehovah commanded Moses” (Josh. 11:15). It is no surprise that at the end of his life, Joshua is considered “the servant of Jehovah” (Josh. 24:29). Youth must be willing to lead by Jehovah’s authority. Jehovah chose to give authority to Jesus (Matt. 28:18). Jesus authorized the apostles to preach His word and authorized inspired men to write that word. We have the word of God to direct us. We must train our youth to respect this authority and to leave nothing undone that Jehovah has commanded us.
 
CONCLUSION
We need youth who will lead their friends to obey the Gospel. We need youth who will “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Let us train youth to develop themselves into “faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Let us lead them to respect God’s authority and not to invent their own hermeneutical schemes. If youth will lead by Jehovah’s authority, they can live full lives from youth until death for Jehovah. Joshua is certainly a powerful role model. May we do all we can to imitate these characteristics of Joshua and lead our youth to do so. What a joy it will be in heaven to hear; “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21), knowing that we have lived for Jehovah from youth until death.

James E. Rogers

One of the greatest single chapters ever written is the 119th Psalm. In this rich passage, David extols the value of the Word of God. If we could imitate his attitude and love toward the Word of God, we would be much better off.

Why did the Psalmist love the word of God?

Because it will help young people succeed in life. Notice verse 9, “Wherewithal shall the young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” David makes the point that young people can do what is right and please God in the days of their youth. Today, our culture states blatantly that the young are going to do wrong (commit what is commonly held as immoral acts; drinking, dancing, fornicating, drugs, etc.), regardless of what is taught to them in childhood. God through David denies this lie (cf. John 8:44). David’s son Solomon wrote “Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl. 12:1).

Even in the church the impression is sometimes left that it is “normal” for young people to leave the Lord and live like the world once they leave their parents’ home. While it may occur more often than it should, it is never acceptable to God and should not be condoned in any way by the church (Gal. 6:7-8; Eph. 6:11).

Because it will complete what is missing in a man. In verse 10 David writes, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.” Most people live empty lives. They search for meaning in all the wrong places. Notice the counsel of Solomon, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13). If we go through our days on the earth without God, we haven’t truly lived. The key to David’s life was the fact that he sought God with his “whole heart.” We too must be completely given to learning, loving and living the will of God. Some people know just enough Bible to be miserable. May we love the Lord and His word enough to follow Him wherever He may lead (Luke 6:46).

Because it was a constant to which he could always turn. In verse 11 we find, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee.” Once we truly understand that the message of the Bible is from God and for our benefit, our lives become more stable (II Tim. 3:16,17). God has given us instructions to help us deal with every facet of life; every difficulty; every dark day (II Tim. 2:15; Psalm 23). We can overcome all obstacles with His divine guidance through His word (Phil. 4:13). In a world that is constantly changing and often seems to be leaving us behind, it is tremendously comforting to know God does not change and His glorious message of truth will continue to give us freedom (John 8:32).

Because it brings joy to the recipient. David is exuberant in the knowledge that with God’s guidance, life makes sense. Notice verse 16, “I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.” Joy and pleasure are not always the same thing. We typically view that which makes us happy (brings joy) as good. But true happiness is much deeper and more lasting than a moment’s pleasure. (As a side note, God is not against us having pleasure — in fact a faithful child of God should also have a very good life, John 10:10). David has a great attitude when it comes to the word of God. Far too many people have a poor attitude concerning the Bible, mainly because they do not wish to have their lives directed by (interfered with — per their view) anyone but themselves. David knew that he was in need of God’s help (as are we all whether we wish to admit it or not).

Notice verse 97, “O how I love thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” He loved the instruction that he received. In verse 172 he adds, “My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.” When we comprehend that God gave us His word to help us (not to hinder us), our attitude will be better and our hearts more receptive to His guiding hand.

Because it will guide us all the way to heaven. In verse 105 we read, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” The word of God will help us and direct us in the hard times of life. Many grope in darkness when the light of Jesus is just a moment away (Matt. 5:13-16).

May we imitate the attitude of the Psalmist in relation to the word of God.

The subject of the Holy Spirit and how He works today is controversial. Those of the Charismatic Movement (Neo-Pentecostalism) maintain that the Spirit dwells in believers personally and directly. As a result of this “indwelling,” they believe the Spirit gives the gift of working miracles to God’s people today just as He did to the first century Christians who had hands laid on them by the apostles. Others, such as Calvinists, believe the Spirit is sent by God into the hearts of the elect (those whom God chose before the foundation of the world to be saved) to instill faith miraculously so that they will confess Christ. In both the Charismatic and the Calvinistic viewpoints, they claim the Spirit is working directly in the child of God today.

That the Holy Spirit dwells in Christians is clearly affirmed in God’s Word. The apostle Paul wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you” (Rom. 8:9-11). Further, the Bible clearly teaches: “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom. 8:14).

Christians generally agree today that the age of miraculous gifts is over. The argument is frequently and correctly made that only the apostles who had been baptized with the Spirit had the ability to confer miraculous gifts to others by the laying on of their hands (Acts 8:4-25; 19:1-7; Rom. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:6). It logically follows that when the last apostle died, and the last of those upon whom an apostle had laid hands died, then the age of miraculous gifts ended. This is confirmed in 1 Corinthians 13:10. When that which was “perfect” (Greek: teleios: complete, mature: Vine’s), i.e. the completed written New Testament had come (2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jude 3; 2 Peter 1:3), then the various tongues (languages), prophesying, revelations, etc. were no longer needed and therefore ended.

How then does the Holy Spirit lead, guide, and direct us today? A fundamental and universally accepted rule of interpreting the Word of God is to allow one passage to interpret another. A difficult passage may be understood when a plain passage which addresses the same subject is laid alongside it. For example, the books of Ephesians and Colossians are sometimes called “twin epistles.” They were both written by the apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They were both written to churches in the Roman province of Asia. They also were written in the same time period while Paul was a prisoner in Rome awaiting a hearing before the emperor. Therefore, passages in them are similar and can be used to explain one another.

In Ephesians 5:18-19, Paul wrote: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess [rioting, reckless living, dissolute life]; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph. 5:18-20). A similar passage to this is Colossians 3:16-17: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:16-17).

How, when, is one “filled with the Spirit?” One is filled with the Spirit when he “lets the Word of God dwell in him richly.” Does it not logically follow that one is led, guided, directed by the Spirit when he is led, guided, and directed by the Word of God? In Ephesians 6:10-17, the apostle Paul describes the armor that we as Christians must wear as we do battle against the forces of evil in the world. The description of the armor is that worn by Roman soldiers who had conquered much of the known world in Paul’s day. A Roman soldier wore armor to protect himself against the onslaught of his enemy. He usually carried an offensive weapon with which to do battle against his enemy —his sword.

Suppose a Roman soldier came in from battle at the close of the day and boasted “I killed ten soldiers of the enemy’s army today?” How did he kill them? With his bare hands? No! He used a weapon. The enemy soldiers were killed by a sword. The Roman soldier killed ten soldiers of the enemy’s army. He did not do it directly, but by a means (an instrument). In this case, the means (instrument) was a sword. In the same way, Christians are led, guided, and directed by the Holy Spirit, but it is not directly or personally, it is through a means. The means (instrument) is the Word of God!