What We Do In Life, Echoes In Eternity

What We Do In Life, Echoes In Eternity

Gladiator

Maximus, in the movie Gladiator, before his epic battle with the barbarians said, “What we do in life, echoes in eternity!” But does it really? If who I am, what I do, or who I become means nothing, how then can life have any meaning?

Inevitably we all will begin asking life’s most difficult questions. One question we all ask ourselves is; is my life significant? Does it matter? Is there purpose to my life? If so, what is that purpose? Who or what gives me that purpose? Is there meaning to all life? Am I insignificant? We can spend countless moments reflecting and wondering about the answers, but is there ultimately an answer that can be found?

Many struggle with the idea of life having any meaning in the face of certain and inevitable death. Others deal with self-insignificance when compared to a short life, big universe, and ultimately in the view of an all-powerful, all-knowing creator. Others may compare themselves to the world/celebrities. Constantly chasing what popular culture says you have to attain to matter. i.e.: money, power, wealth, status and popularity. But can such things actually provide real significance?

Recently, a well-known comedian/actor, Robin Williams took his own life. This came as a shock to me. I loved his movies! He brought so many people joy with his ability to put a smile on the face of anyone he met regardless of their current mood. He had fame! He had money! Lots of people loved him, knew him, worshiped him. But as we know he ultimately suffered from depression that led to his suicide. Did he ever realize the ultimate purpose to his life? So how can a man who has everything the world says that gives life purpose and meaning take his own life?

The short answer is; the world lied! Many famous people have constantly strived for more power, more money, and more fame; and have found themselves empty and wanting. All that the world has to offer does not fulfill us or give our life’s meaning.

In my own personal reflections this simple revelation has put in perspective for me the true value of money, fame, status, popularity, and prestige. All of these things can be ripped from you in an instant. It’s as simple as that. Things that are finite, temporal, and limited cannot give us any meaning or purpose, or ultimate significance. Chasing after these things to place value on our lives is ultimately futile. There can always be more. It’s a never ending battle that will suck us dry of what truly gives us value; God.

God is eternal! He loves us. He created us for his purpose! An eternal purpose! When we seek to know him through his son, Jesus Christ, then and only then will we discover our purpose and the significance of our lives. We may never fully understand the immense love God has for us, but we know that he went all the way to the cross to die, bringing us back into relationship with him. Because of this all that we do in life, all that we are, all that we become, matters.

God made you for a purpose. You are not here by accident. You where fearfully and wonderfully made. You bear his image so that all creation may see His glory in you. He knows you and calls you by name. He died for you. Wants you to know Him! He grants you joy and a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Paul, writer of 2/3 of the New Testament, had everything before his conversion that his culture said mattered. But he counted it all as rubbish. He tells us that the highest purpose for our lives is to know God intimately (Philippians 3)! What could possibly give our lives more, substantial, everlasting, real purpose than knowing who God is and who he made us to be?

post by: Nathan Haws

For further study see:

Dr. William Lane Craig

Dr. Ravi Zacharias

J. P. Moreland

 

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