Purpose for living

ByPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 4 minutes

Good day to you, my dear friends!

 Many people ask themselves a question of why they feel inner emptiness. So many continue to walk the wrong way in their lives, and it goes on day after day. They feel their life to be aimless and they continue their walk unmotivated. Multitudes of people do not have a clue of why they live and whether the life is worth living. All of these things happen because they do not have a clear purpose for living. The lack of such a purpose often causes violence, different types of evil, disappointments, emptiness, despair, hopelessness, apathy, anger and so on. If a person does not have a clear purpose for his or her life, all these things can happen to him. But, praise God, the Bible has a lot to say about this crucial topic. So let’s turn to the Holy Scripture, particularly to the Book of Ecclesiastes. In this book the author tells us about his own search for the meaning and purpose for his life. He reveals the wrong ways that lead to disappointment and the true ways that lead to a wholesome life. I believe that every one of us is able to learn from the author’s mistakes and discover the true purpose of our lives.  

Before we begin to discuss the Book of Ecclesiastes and its lessons, I would like to look at one particular verse – Ecclesiastes (1:1) – and we will see who the author of this book was. «The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king of Jerusalem». The author of this book was Solomon, the son of David. «I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem». (Ecclesiastes, 1:12).

 

Solomon was famous for being the riches and wisest person of his time. « I communed with my heart, saying, „Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge » (Ecclesiastes, 1:16).

Solomon was a wise and rich person, and the beginning of his life was wonderful: he knew the one true God and walked with Him. But later Solomon got caught up with outward splendour of this life. Praise God that in the end of his life Solomon once again discovered the true purpose for his life. His search is described in the Book of Ecclesiastes. So it is very important for us to pay attention to the things Solomon is teaching in this book.

 

Satisfaction in this life has nothing to do with pursuit of external things, mirages and illusions. «I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind» (Ecclesiastes, 1:12-14).

 

According to these verses, everything under the sun seems to be vanity and futile to the author. Praise God, it is not the only conclusion that Solomon came to in his life. Afterwards, Solomon realized that life should not be viewed from the human perspective only – from under heaven; it must be viewed from God’s perspective as well – from above heaven. Solomon understood that there is nothing remarkable in living this life without God and rely only on the earthly things that happen under heaven. Only with God we can acquire the true purpose for this life. Tomorrow we will discuss this in detail. We will also talk about what we should not do in our life.

 

Be blessed!

 

Pastor Rufus Ajiboye

Similar Posts

  • The Holy Spirit is the secret of our power!

    AutorsMācītājs Rufus Adžiboije Reading Time: 4 minutes
    «And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit» (Ephesians, 5:18). Paul wrote these words because he had experienced what being filled with the Holy Spirit meant for him. It is absolutely necessary to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

    «And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit» (Ephesians, 5:18). Paul...

  • Apart from Him there is no true satisfaction and happiness!

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 4 minutes
    «There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death» (Proverbs, 16:25). A wise man learns from the mistakes of others. I believe that this message will help us stop and not take the wrong path, since it won’t give us any fulfilment. Yesterday we discussed the fact that Solomon tried to find happiness and satisfaction in pleasures of life. He realized that all these things are vanity and „grasping for the wind”. We saw the things Solomon sought as the source of enjoyment. First, he tried different delicacies. They brought satisfaction to Solomon’s body, but he soul remained empty and hungry.

    «There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death» (Proverbs, 16:25). A wise man learns...

  • How to develop a habit of prayer in our life? III

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 4 minutes
    As you know, human life consists of habits. There are also good and bad habits. Any habit that brings a positive outcome requires some efforts and discipline from us. Unless we have a habit of praying our prayer life will never become effective neither fruitful. Let me quote the statement of an Ancient Greek philosopher, Aristotle who once said about habits – “We are the product of what we repeatedly do”. In other words, our habits are our essence. Therefore, in order to excel at something, we have to make it our habit.

    As you know, human life consists of habits. There are also good and bad habits. Any habit that brings a positive...

  • It is extremely important for us to grow in God’s character and nature so that we can effectively function on earth

    AutorsMācītājs Rufus Adžiboije Reading Time: 4 minutes
    «It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness» . In order for a throne or a reign or government to be established, it must be done by righteousness or truth. As we’ve said before, in Paul’s Epistle to Romans we are told that we rule on earth by the gift of righteousness (see Rom.5: 17). The Power, authority and wisdom to rule on earth come into our lives through our uncompromising stance against sin and unrighteousness. If we choose righteousness and total submission to God and His commandments as our lifestyle, then God can channel His authority into our lives; our life will be filled with God’s authority, and God will grant us the right to rule and reign on earth.

    «It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness» . In order...

  • Do not focus of what you do not have; simply go ahead and use what you have! II

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 3 minutes
    God gives to us gifts according to our ability, so He does not call us to do the thigs we are not able to. If God has asked you to do something, it is only because He knows you are able to do it. He won’t give you more than you are able to bear. Simply use what you have. I once read a story about a woman who built a school for the needy. Before she began this, a desire was born in her heart to do it. It became her dream that she was thinking of consistently. At that moment she did not have a thing: no textbooks, no teachers, no building, and no money. But she did have a tremendous desire to fulfil her dream.

    God gives to us gifts according to our ability, so He does not call us to do the thigs we are not able to. If God...

  • Planning is one of the expressions of wisdom

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 5 minutes
    The Bible talks about this, „By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.” (Proverbs 24:3-6).

    The Bible talks about this, „By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through...