MEANING BEYOND A MEANINGLESS WORLD

And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. It is a grievous task which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 1:13-14 NASB 

Solomon tells us there is nothing new or meaningful under the sun. Our challenge, when searching for meaning, is to look above the sun, outside this box we call earth.

 MEANING BEYOND A MEANINGLESS WORLD

I’ve asked the question a thousand times, “Why am I alive?” The answer I’m searching for goes far beyond discovering my purpose, or gifts or talents. Those things are important compasses in finding life’s direction, but they don’t satisfy my curiosity for knowing why I exist.  

I’m pretty open about my life’s struggle with self-hatred and worthlessness. For many years I believed the lie that I was, basically, garbage in human form. As a result, I searched the corners of the earth for anything to give my life meaning. In the end, all I had was a long list of unfixable choices, unyielding habits, frail character, and the irreconcilable belief that my life had no meaning.  I had set my mind to seek and explore everything available to me under heaven, and it just wasn’t enough. In fact, I discovered that the more I learned about the world, the more I hurt.  

Ecclesiastes chapter 1 is pretty disparaging about life on earth, describing it as a boring, repetitive, clockwork existence, destined to be forgotten. To me, it’s more like a snapshot of life…without God in it. It’s about the futility of searching for meaning in all the wrong places. Meaning doesn’t exist under the sun or within the boundaries of earth. Our true meaning exists in the heart of God.

I was 37 when God showed me my meaning and worth, and He began healing my heart, and my life, from the catastrophe I had made it. The meaning of a life isn’t something that can be held in your hand or touched, or taken in with any of the senses. It’s a belief that transcends anything we could ever comprehend this side of eternity.  God knew that my meaning wasn’t something He could just sit me down and explain to make me understand, it was something that had to be experienced. It was a meaning not meant to be written or told, but lived.

If you are breathing, you have meaning. You are important. You matter. Search outside the mundane routines of this world, look above the sun, and He will show you.

 1. In what ways have you sought meaning in this world? Who or what have you turned to, hoping to find meaning?

2. How does Solomon’s description of everyday life resonate with you? Does it sound familiar? Can you relate?

3. Ephesians 1:3-14 defines your personal significance. It lists what God has done to you and for you. He has blessed you with every spiritual blessing. He has chosen you. He has declared you holy and blameless. He has adopted you. He has redeemed you. He has forgiven you. He has made the mystery of His will known to you. He has sealed you with the Holy Spirit. Ponder these truths about you, memorize them, and write them on your heart.

SELFLESS SURRENDER

“While they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3 

I’ll admit it. I’m selfish. I like my possessions. I want to be comfortable. I find security in my friendships. I don’t like change.  I seek stability in this life that isn’t promised nor guaranteed, but yet, I want it, crave it. And time and time again, I learn the hard way that there is only one thing that is rock-solid reliable, ALL the time. That is my God.

When I read these verses in Acts, as the Holy Spirit sets apart Barnabas and Saul, (later to become Paul) and calls them to a very special work, I ask myself, “Where are the verses about the people of Antioch going home to pout over losing their dear friends? Didn’t they argue with God? Question their call? Or plead Him not to take them from their congregation?”

As I ponder the commitment and intensity of these two men, I can only fathom the massive influence they must have had on the church at Antioch. Saul had experienced the transforming power of God, and was on fire! I imagine there was some reluctance brewing somewhere about losing them, as well as some pouting, arguing, questioning, and pleading. I mean, I’m guilty of those things when faced with uncomfortable changes, so why wouldn’t they?

Then I see their response, and am humbled. There was no tantrum, or even hesitation, only selfless surrender to the direction of the Holy Spirit. They fasted, prayed, laid their hands on them, and sent them out. They responded at once with integrity to this major change in their lives.

If I’m truly serious about making God number one in my life, I must be willing to give up my possessions, lifestyle, or even relationships to obey Him. I also want to support those I care about even if it means personal sacrifice. The selfless surrender of the people at Antioch allowed Paul to begin the journey that would lead him to become the greatest missionary of the early church. I never want to stand in the way of something like that. I will surrender, even when it hurts.

1.)  Think about the important people in your life, and the diverse way God has gifted each one of them. Have you ever been tempted to discourage them from obeying God because it would make your life uncomfortable?  Did you give in to that temptation?

2.)   God has a different plan and purpose for each of us. Do you find it difficult to support those with a calling radically different than your own? If so, how can you become more intentional in encouraging them, despite your difficulty?

3.)   Do you earnestly seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit regarding the lives of your friends, as the people of Antioch did for Barnabas and Saul?

4.)  How can you actively support the various ministries of your friends and family today?