The Point Is Yours

Many people often ask what the point of life is. Personally, I believe that is something everyone must find for themselves.

Your ultimate meaning is going to look far different from someone else’s.

The meaning in a writer’s life will find commonality with a musician’s meaning in the sense that both are forms of art.

But the goals of the two mediums are not quite congruent. Just as all art has certain rules, every one of us has a code of ethics that allows us to operate within this world and the many meanings each person ascribes to their lives.

The Bible tells us what the whole duty of humanity is, but that isn’t quite your individual meaning.

Yet, I believe this scripture enhances our understanding of how to live out our meaning while we draw breath.

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 [ESV]).

The context of this is regarding ultimate judgment, that every deed will come into the balances of God’s domain, whether good or evil.

But the point is, how do we do this? Why is this our duty?

It’s because this verse helps us understand how to live out our meaning.

An atheist might say they don’t need to fear an imaginary God and His imaginary commandments.

But they might keep such commandments without even realizing it.

We should love our neighbors as ourselves. But what does that mean in practice? It means to perform the highest action that will lead to the highest good, with loving another person being a highlight of existence.

A person in a band might write songs to make someone else’s day far better.

They might say without words (besides lyrics), “Hey. I’ve been there, too, you know.”

That is one way to love your neighbor, even people you might never meet.

Following your purpose loves many people at once. If your art can make someone smile, cause someone to chuckle while having a dreary day, then you have fulfilled the duty of humanity without necessarily being conscious of it.

Loving another person doesn’t always mean being kind and wanting the best for them through your specific actions to them in proximity. Secondary and tertiary ripples can pulse through even small actions.

You can show love to someone thousands of miles away by writing an awesome book that could change their night after they’ve had a tough week.

It is important to realize this.

If you cook a tasty meal at your restaurant, you nourish others physically but might also provide the atmosphere for people to enjoy each other’s company.

It doesn’t take being the person involved in a family gathering to make something like that possible.

Does that make sense?

That following our individual purpose (or what we think is our purpose) leads to the philosophical ideal of fulfillment for ourselves and others.

Keeping God’s commandments may not be conscious on our part, yet the world turns on because we all have our roles to play.

Circling back to the beginning, though, purpose is something we should ultimately understand is for ourselves, and only we can answer that question in our walks.

When we align with purpose, others receive the positive effects, and a chain reaction begins.

The point of life is up to the individual, though we can use Solomon’s advice as a litmus test for whether we are encompassing God’s will in the world.

Just a short thought on purpose and keeping God’s commands within that purpose.

Blessings and shalom to you.