What is the purpose of life?
Many have asked this question as they search for meaning. The internet offers a three-step process for answering it: find what you care about, reflect on what matters most, and identify your strengths. But what if you answer all three steps with me, me, me? It probably isn’t the deeper meaning you were hoping for.
The Bible gives a clearer answer. It describes the most important event in history: God becoming a man, dying on a cross, and rising again to save us from our sins. If that’s the most important event in history, then the most important decision we can make is to follow Jesus. And if that’s the most important decision, the best next step is to share the story with others.
Jesus gave this as His final instruction before ascending to Heaven (Matthew 28:18-20), and Paul gave it as his final instruction to Timothy before his execution. That alone makes this command especially noteworthy, and Paul’s delivery drives it home (2 Timothy 4:1). It is a solemn command, not a casual suggestion, given before God Himself. It also comes with a reminder: our sins are forgiven, but Jesus will still judge us by how faithfully we follow His commands.
So get preaching! That doesn’t necessarily mean stepping up to the pulpit. Simply be ready at all times to tell others what Jesus did for us. Explain how things really work, challenge others to recognise their shortcomings, and encourage those living in fear and strife (2 Timothy 4:2).
And don’t get distracted by hardship or worldly desires. God has given humanity a way back to Him. Every Christian’s primary goal should be to follow that path and lead others to it. Is it yours?
You can watch the full sermon here.
