Life in this world was not meant to be lived without God!

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. Scripture teaches that a life without God is incomplete and lacks true meaning and purpose. The Bible emphasizes the importance of faith and a relationship with God for a fulfilling, satisfying, and meaningful life. Several places in the Bible, particularly in the book of Ecclesiastes, highlight the futility of life without a relationship with God. The book of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, explores the idea that material success and worldly achievements are insufficient to bring true satisfaction without a connection to God. The book of Ecclesiastes starts out with a startling exclamation: “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The word “vanity” translates the Hebrew word which signifies futility, meaninglessness, and the fleeting, temporary nature of earthly things. It emphasizes that without a focus on God, life’s pursuits and accomplishments ultimately lead to an unsatisfying emptiness. In other words, when Solomon says, “All is vanity,” he did not mean that everything in the world is meaningless or of zero value. Rather, his point is that all human efforts apart from God’s will are meaningless! Solomon had it all, and he had tried everything, but when he left God out of the equation, nothing satisfied him! There is purpose in life, and it is found in knowing God and keeping His commands. That’s why Solomon ends his book this way: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for a meaningful life. For instance, Paul says, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The concept of being a “new creature” in a spiritual context, is strongly linked to living a life of purpose and meaning. Being a “new creature” in Christ means that old ways of thinking, acting, and living are being replaced by a new way of being, guided by God’s perspective. In essence, the belief that knowing God is essential for a purposeful and meaningful life is rooted in the idea that God's purpose for our lives is meaningful, and that aligning our lives with that purpose leads to a more fulfilling and satisfying existence. Be encouraged!