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The Need for Meaning in Life
The Need for Meaning in Life
The ever present search for meaning in life is something that scholars and philosophers have debated and searched for seemingly as long as written communication has existed. Philosophers of old like Socrates and Plato believed that the pursuit of knowledge was the meaning of life while Aristotle held to a belief that simply being a good person was sufficient. He believed that virtue was the goal but there was no list of virtues because that knowledge should be instinctual.
Modern philosophers have grouped the varying ways of defining meaning into three main views: Supernaturalism, Naturalism (3 forms), and Nihilism. Supernaturalism is the view that god (small “g”) exists in some form and we derive meaning from knowing and relating well to him/her/it. Naturalism is the belief that meaning can be derived from seeking and obtaining various goals in life without the need for a god to define what meaning is or is not. The final view, Nihilism, is a form of Naturalism. It states there is no god, but is distinct in that it holds there is no meaning to life. Life simply is … and then you die. We see the influence of each of these views in our lives today though usually not identified in a proper philosophical fashion.
The Supernaturalist view makes its way into our world by holding to a vague acknowledgement of a god and to the principles laid out by the religion that is associated with that god. These would include Eastern Mysticism (all roads lead to god), various forms of New Age thought (speak positivity into the world and it will return to you), Islam (earn your way to god), as well as the vaguely Christianized yet undefined moralism that has plagued our western society for centuries, referred to by Vic as “Country Music Jesus.” Philosophers include biblical Christianity in this viewpoint, however, I will argue that it is entirely different. The problem with the viewpoints outside of biblical Christianity is they are seeking after a “higher power” who is impotent and powerless to affect this life or the next. This generally results from following a god of their own making who, while cloaked in divine descriptions, more closely resembles the golden calf created by the Israelites while Moses was on Mt Sinai than it does an omnipotent, sovereign Lord.
The Naturalist views have been prevalent for about a century and usually take the form of statements like: “The meaning of life is different for each person.” “Do what makes you happy.” And the too often used, “You do you.” The slightly more objective viewpoint may sound like “loving and caring for others provides meaning,” “contributing to the betterment of the world,” or possibly, “we have a duty to help others and that gives meaning to life.” The problem that the Naturalist has is the word “meaning” has no meaning. If there is no god, then anything goes. Morality and meaning are defined in a thousand different ways leading to utter confusion and the breakdown of a common understanding of concepts like marriage, family, right, wrong, or even what a man or a woman is with specificity.
The Nihilist is the easiest, and to me most intellectually honest (albeit wrong), viewpoint. There is no god, there is no meaning. Life simply happens for some reason or no reason. There is no morality. You live it however you wish. When you die that’s it. While intellectually honest, the Nihilist has one glaring problem. With nothing governing the thought processes or actions, life becomes entirely about self. This results in vile, wretched, miserable humans devoid of anything that looks like hope, love, peace, or goodness.
We see this progression in our own country. What started out as a strong influence of biblical Christianity in the early years of the US, evolved into a “man upstairs,” higher power,” “the big guy” view of God. Little meaning or foundation could be gleaned from this fake god, so people began seeking meaning in viewpoints not associated with God. Since the Naturalist view has no power and is based solely on what the individual deems most important to them, the societal norms eventually break down. What is left is chaos and Nihilism.
Each of these viewpoints promises to provide meaning in this life, or at least show that it doesn’t exist. None of them, however, answer the basic question: “Why do I search for meaning in the first place?” Why do all humans desire to live a life that rises above that lived by the animals? To answer that question we need to go to Genesis.
As God formed the universe and everything in it, He made Adam and Eve as his crowning achievement in creation. They, and only they, were created in the image of God.
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness …’” -Gen 1:26
It is in our nature, as image bearers of God, to desire to live a life that means something. Everything in creation has a purpose for its existence but it cannot provide meaning to something or someone else. Since God is the creator and life giver, then, as the only sovereign, it is from Him that we derive meaning. That comes from the one true God alone.
If this is true, then what is mankind’s purpose or meaning? God reveals to Isaiah speaking of the faithful remnant in Israel:
“Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.” -Is 43:7
“There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours. All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name. For You are great and do wondrous deeds; You alone are God.” -Ps 86:8-10
“Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” -1 Cor 10:1
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” -1 Cor 6:19-20
We see in these verses, and throughout scripture, that our main purpose in this life is to submit to the lordship of God and seek His glory in all things. Paul stresses that our very bodies are His temple. A temple has but one purpose and that is to house and facilitate the worship of the one to whom it is dedicated. The Westminster Shorter Catechism states it plainly, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
As we continually seek meaning in our lives, and those of our family, we must believe and be committed to understanding that our very existence has one purpose, and that is to glorify the One to whom all glory belongs. As we struggle with sin (ours and others’) we must remember that we battle against our flesh because it does not bring glory to God. We fight and work for every ounce of obedience and maturity we gain, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to live a life that at its end renders the most desired response of all, “Well done good and faithful servant.” That is our purpose. That is the true meaning of life. There can be none higher.
-Clay
Book Review
Book Review
Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction
By Kevin DeYoung
I expect that, for at least the next generation, issues of gender and gender definition will continue to be the most significant point of struggle between biblical Christianity and the world. All the struggle on these issues out in the world are now fully bleeding into the church. This past year at the Southern Baptist Convention, issues of complementarian gender definition and gender roles in the church was the most significant topic of the convention. The Bible speaks regularly of gender, sexual ethics, and gender roles in the church. Some of these passages are difficult to interpret, and some of these passages are outrageously offensive to our non-Christian culture. The offense of these passages relates to how far we have drifted from what God designed and intended within Christian marriage and then leadership in the church.
To help define, clarify, and explain most of the key issues facing gender roles in the local church, I strongly recommend this book by pastor Kevin DeYoung. As with all of DeYoung’s books, his writing is very clear, but also serious and careful. He begins with basic interpretation of scripture, beginning with Genesis and the creation purposes of God. He then surveys the Old Testament, bringing us to the time of Jesus. He helps the reader understand what Jesus changed in the New Covenant and what remains the same from creation. I believe chapters four through seven are the most valuable of the book. Here DeYoung dives right into interpreting and explaining some of the most thorny passages in the New Testament concerning the roles of men and women in the church: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, 14:33-35, Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Timothy 2:8-15, and 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
Based on these helpful interpretations and theology, DeYoung moves into the second half of the book addressing particular, practical outworkings of these teachings in the local church today. His insight comes from a pastor that has been in the trenches for a long time and understands what it means to first honor the Lord, but also to have a passion for people. There is a necessity to explain truth, convince people of that truth, and then lead them to walk in that truth. This type of leadership results in clarity and harmony in the church on difficult issues.
I recommend that you read this book and wrestle with what is being said here. You may agree already, or these things may be highly offensive to you. If this book offends you, I suggest you spend the most time reading the first half related to biblical foundations – then let’s get together and talk some. The further our world slides toward the complete perversion of transgenderism, the more counter-cultural a biblical church will be. However, our goal is not to be controversial, but to be faithful. As we live faithful Christian lives there will be harmony in our homes that will carry over into harmony in the church. May the Lord Jesus be with us in this time, strengthening the marriages and families at Redeemer and strengthening our love for each other. May we learn and grow in what it means to be Christian men and women, and how we should live out our gender in the local church.
Encouraging you to read this book,
Pastor Vic
Mayfield Mission
Mayfield Mission
“As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”
John 17:18
This verse is from Jesus’ prayer for His disciples just before He goes to the cross. Jesus was sent into the midst of this sinful world by God the Father for the salvation of sinners. Jesus was Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’ In a similar way, Jesus commands His disciples to go out into the world bearing His gospel. We are expressly taught by Jesus not to only love those who love us, but to go to the weak, the poor, our enemies, and those who can offer us nothing in return. Going to such people to teach, pray, and serve in Jesus’ name is the basis of Christian mission. All of us should live each day with a mindset of missions, and in various ways strive to go out on mission in more sacrificial ways.
This week we have a group going out from Redeemer Spotsy Village to join with a Samaritans Purse larger effort to help rebuild homes and minister in Jesus’ name to the people of Mayfield, KY. This area was hit some months ago by a massive and devastating tornado. Through death and destruction, the area was ravaged. Those without full insurance lost everything they had. Samaritans Purse took up the effort to rebuild houses for those in need and we are responding to their call for volunteers to help. Our team leaves early this Sunday morning. Many thanks to Mark and Kimberly Alexander for pursuing and putting together this mission opportunity.
Our team:
- Mark Alexander
- Sherry Morgan
- Amy Quann
- Paul Jany
- Luke Jany
- Ethan Jany
- Nathan Quann
- Caleb Morgan
- James Carpenter
- Viktor Potter
- Bekah Nichols
- Avery Jenkins
- Grace North
- Hayleigh Vickerman
Please keep this team and those in need in Mayfield, KY in your prayers this week. Please pray for:
- Harmony and joyful team spirit between all who are on the trip.
- Opportunity for gospel conversations and prayer with those in KY.
- The ability to accomplish productive and safe work.
- Personal spiritual growth and transformation for each team member through missional work.
May the Lord bless the work of their hands,
Pastor Vic
At the Feet of Jesus
At the Feet of Jesus
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”
Isaiah 26:3-4
Last Sunday I referred to the above verse and its relation to Isaiah 30:15, “In returning and rest you will be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” I would like to connect these verses to a scene and teaching in the ministry of Jesus to help us better understand what is being taught and how we can apply these teachings to our lives.
In Luke 10:38 Jesus enters a village and is welcomed into the home of two sisters – Mary and Martha. These two sisters were opposites. When Jesus came into their home the audience of disciples came in as well, and Jesus began to teach. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to and considering the precious words of the Son of God. However, Martha saw many people in her home and a need to serve them all. As Jesus taught, Martha was hustling to make sure the “needs” of the people were met. It was her perception that the priority of the moment was to physically serve the people. The crowd of people created a significant amount of work. As she hustled back and forth doing what she felt was important, with each pass she saw her sister sitting there doing “nothing.”
At some point in her frustration, Martha actually goes up to Jesus, interrupts His teaching, rebukes Jesus, and works to publicly shame her sister. Martha starts with Jesus. She’s so exasperated that everyone is listening to Jesus, and no one is helping her – especially not her sister – that she accuses Jesus of being hard-hearted. She then appeals to Jesus to make Mary help her with her work of hospitality. Martha expects Jesus to back her and to be vindicated in front of the crowd as the righteous and industrious sister.
Jesus in His perfect love and patience turns the situation around completely. With compassion Jesus overlooks Martha’s rudeness and pride, and He directly points out that her value system is all out of order. Jesus points out that she is anxious and troubled in her soul about many things. This lack of rest in her soul drives her to “work more for Jesus,” but Jesus doesn’t want or need her to work for Him. Martha is not really doing her work for Jesus – she is doing the work to satisfy her own felt needs and her own contrived ideas of what is best in this situation. Her wrong mindset creates a busyness that shuts out the voice of Jesus and creates a sinful frustrated attitude.
Jesus tells Martha that all her hustling around is not necessary and that her sister Mary has chosen the better option. In fact, Mary has chosen the necessary course of action. Whatever service Martha was rendering was not necessary. Mary intently listening to and hearing Jesus was necessary. Mary chose wisely and Jesus would not send her away to do lesser things, and so robbing her of the privilege of hearing Him teach. It’s a shocking turn around and a passage of major importance to modern America.
Isaiah is teaching us that our salvation will be found in trust, rest, quietness, and staying our mind on the Lord. This has everything to do with Mary’s example to us. Mary’s example is choosing to take advantage of an opportunity to quiet her heart and “sit at the feet of Jesus.” She is choosing to set her mind on Jesus, that she might trust Him more. This quietness before Jesus, listening to and hearing His word is absolutely necessary to godliness. Today we come into the teaching presence of Jesus by prayerfully and quietly reading God’s word, the Bible. It is by personally studying the Bible and being under the preaching of God’s word that we “sit at the feet of Jesus.”
We must make time and actual life choices to put ourselves in this quiet place before Jesus. There have always been endless possible distractions to prevent us from making time to listen to Jesus. For Judah in the time of Isaiah, the people were rebellious – intentionally turning away from the Lord. But we must realize that choosing to turn away from the Lord can have many forms. Martha is one of those forms. She chooses “good” service over necessary personal devotion to Jesus. Americans love to pride themselves in busy service, but often neglect necessary personal devotion to Jesus.
I urge you to hear the words of Isaiah and of Jesus. Quiet your heart, make time by cutting out lesser things. Pray and ask God to speak to your heart. Open the Bible and begin to carefully read for understanding what is before you in Scripture. In this, your mind will be stayed on the love of Jesus and peace will guard your heart.
Trust in the Lord forever,
Pastor Vic
Book Review
Book Review
“Christ-Centered Conflict Resolution: A Guide for Turbulent Times”
By Tony Merida
I highly recommend reading this short and practical book on conflict resolution. Because we are sinners conflict enters every relationship, but this is especially true for our nearest family and work relationships. Why is that? As sinners, the more time we spend with someone the more opportunity there is to disagree and come into conflict with them. Most books on conflict resolution deal only with behavior modification, not with true heart change. In raising children, it is never enough to only modify their behavior without truly reaching their heart. To see true life change in a child there must be heart change toward loving Jesus. Conflict resolution between adults is the same. Behavior modification will only take you so far and is a dead-end road. To break out from conflict there must be true heart change through the salvation of Jesus Christ.
Chapter one addresses cravings and conflict. This chapter walks through aspects of James 3:13-18 and the way that our own selfish desires and ambition lead to disorder and conflict in our relationships. This chapter begins the tone of the entire book that each person must recognize the biggest problem in relationship conflict is within your own heart. This recognizes that you cannot force change on another person and should not blame-shift the cause of struggle always away from yourself. The situation that you can fully address in any conflict relates to your own heart and situation. In each conflict we should be looking to be a peacemaker by laying down our rights, rather than stoking the fires of conflict through selfishness and demanding our rights.
Chapter two speaks to true peace in conflict coming from the cross of Jesus Christ. Merida writes, “You will not pursue Christ-centered conflict resolution if your heart is not captivated by Christ. If Christ doesn’t reign supreme in your life, then your peacemaking efforts will fall short. We cannot make peace with others horizontally without rightly worshipping the Prince of Peace vertically.” This chapter is all about the necessity of giving Jesus the first place in the affections of our heart. Loving Jesus with joy and authenticity leads to chapter five, “Love One Another.”
Chapter three focuses on what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit and so bear the beautiful fruits of the Spirit. The Christian life must be a Spirit-filled life where we seek the work of the Lord to change us from what we once were, to who we ought to be in Christ. Merida writes, “The first way God helps you manage conflict in your life is not to change the circumstances or the other person, but to change you from the inside out by the power of the Spirit. Conflicts only change as the people involved in them change.” The chapter then goes into exploring and applying the fruits of the Spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control with helpful and practical applications.
Chapter four addresses the necessity of overcoming evil with good. So often we lament evil or major problems and give up in the face of these things. Based on an exposition of Romans 12 Merida presses us to understand the call of Jesus to overcome evil with good. We go forward by our salvation and in the power of the Holy Spirit to actively bless and do good to our enemies in conflict. This begins with putting to death selfishness, “We overcome evil by setting our hearts and minds on Jesus. Our love for Jesus must be greater than our love for self.” By moving past selfishness, we can truly see the needs of others and think of them in light of what they may need or how we can be a blessing to them.
Chapter five circles back to chapter two. Through the cross of Jesus Christ sinful people are reconciled to a Holy God. Through the cross of Jesus the love of God is poured out on those who believe in His salvation. We are then to go out and minister that love to a lost and dying world. As Christians we cannot remain at odds with those around us – especially not with our closest relations. We must instead be actively filled with the love of Christ and minister that love to others. Our lives should actively demonstrate gentleness, kindness, hopefulness, and practical acts of compassion to those we know. Our love should be sacrificial and thoughtful, the opposite of selfishness, impatience, and demanding our rights. These acts of love are a tangible demonstration of our true conversion.
Chapter six is filled with practical applications of the concepts contained in chapters one through five. This chapter speaks to practical introspection, over-looking minor issues, forgiveness and restoration for major conflicts, restitution for damages, necessary mediation in some cases, and church discipline in others.
In conclusion, to make progress in degraded relationships you must grow as a person and in your soul. Growth requires effort and application on your part. I encourage you to read this little book and be challenged to grow. Reading is a thoughtful and active process that engages the mind and the heart. Reading this book will cause you to actively think about your own situation and allow the Holy Spirit to convict and shape your heart.
I hope you find this helpful. May the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
Pastor Vic
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Further connections from the sermon this past week:
- Isaiah 25:6 speaks of a coming heavenly feast of rich food and well-aged wine but is unclear what this means. It is a scene of hope, plenty, and rejoicing.
- Luke 14:7-24 & Matthew 22:1-22 are two different, but similar parables spoken by Jesus about the nature of the Kingdom of God. Both of these parables relate to the coming kingdom being like a great wedding feast. Many are invited to the bountiful and freely offered feast, but the rich and the busy make excuses and are not interested in coming. In response the host sends his servants out into the streets to invite the poor, the weak, and the diseased to come to this feast, and they rejoice over such an occasion. These parables give more clarity to the feasting concept spoken by Isaiah.
- Revelation 19:6-10 speaks to the final image of these things – the “marriage supper of the Lamb.” In this glorious heavenly scene of rejoicing the feast spoken of in Isaiah is refined down to the redeemed church of Jesus Christ (the poor and weak brought in by grace) presented as a bride at a wedding feast. Jesus our Redeemer is presented as the groom at the wedding feast and also as the Lamb of God (speaking to how he gave His life in sacrifice to redeem His bride, the church). In the scene, worship, rejoicing, and eternal hope overflow in heavenly feasting and eternal joy. The redemption of God finally complete!