Understand purpose of life through God, Jesus and the Bible
Why are we here on earth? What is my purpose in life? I have asked these same questions and I know many others have as well.
While searching the internet, you may read things that influence your behavior, shape your goals, offer a sense of direction, and help you to create meaning in your life. I want to propose that the purpose of life is to be truly happy. Not just for a day, but through the good days and the hard days as well.
The following is some guidance we can receive from the Bible on how to be truly happy.
1. Identify the things you care about. Read Matthew 6:33: Put God first in your life.
2. Reflect on what matters most. Read Matthew 6:21-24: What you focus on will makes a difference.
3. Recognize your strengths and talents. Read Matthew 5:48: Follow His example. As children of God, we have His attributes.
4. Try volunteering. Read Mark 12:30-31: Love God and love thy neighbor.
5. Imagine your best possible self. Read Matthew 5: As described by Jesus.
6. Cultivate positive emotions like gratitude and awe. Read 1 Chronicles 16:34: Give thanks to God.
7. Look at the people you admire. Read Matthew 4:19: Follow Jesus’ example.
Happiness is found in a balance of the four main areas of your life when you put God first.
1. Physical Health – Your physical health affects your ability to do everything.
2. Mental Health – This includes continually learning and challenging yourself.
3. Emotional Health – This includes your social life and emotional stability. Surround yourself with people that build you up, encourage you, support you, and add happiness to your life. Focus on the positive!
4. Spirituality – Be grateful for all that you have. Recognize that your talents and strengths come from God. Remember that He can do all things, including helping you with all things. We are children of God, and our potential is beyond our understanding. If we pray to God, He can help us accomplish all things and be the best version of ourselves.
Life is full of ups and downs, trials, and challenges. It can be overwhelming at times. Jesus Christ is the answer, the key, and the way to true happiness. In fact, as you include Jesus in all aspects of your life, you will find more happiness. As you work on your physical health, be grateful for what you can do. As you study, learn, and gain new skills, ask for God’s help to understand, and apply what you are learning. As you seek to strengthen yourself emotionally, ask God who else might need help. While serving others, you will be strengthened, and your load will be lightened. As you turn to God in prayer and read the scriptures, your understanding will be opened. As you share with others that we are all children of God, you will feel His love for you and for all mankind.
Our purpose in life is to be happy, and as we come to understand that we are all children of God and focus on helping each other, we will find true happiness in this life. As we love and support each other, we can not only get through the trials and challenges of this life, but we will grow and be strengthened through our trials.
I know that God lives and loves each one of us. I know Jesus Christ is our Savior and redeemer and that through Him we all will be saved and live again. It is up to us who we become in this life. Will we be ready and comfortable to return to God’s presence? Or will we feel uncomfortable because we have squandered the time we have here and failed to learn, understand, and live the two greatest commandments? Become the person who loves God and who loves your neighbors.
Keith Wills is president of The Reading Pennsylvania Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and directs the spiritual leadership of 12 congregations throughout eastern Pennsylvania. President Wills can be contacted at wills.keith@ yahoo.com. For information about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, go to www. comeuntochrist.org