Why Am I Here?
Why am I here? A question like this one can only be answered if a person understands the context in which the question was asked. From a spiritual point of view, there are at least three ways in which we should both ask and answer this all-important question.
First, it's important for us to know and be able to explain why we're at church services. There are so many things we can do on a Sunday: sleep in, go to the lake, catch up on yard-work, and the like. Yet as Christians, we make it a point to be here each Lord's Day because we know that there are certain things that matter the most. We come to services to worship God because that's His desire (John 4:20-24). Additionally, we are here because we desire to know God's truth. Jesus teaches us that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled (Matthew 5:6). Finally, it's important to attend church services because it's in being together that we find additional opportunities to encourage each other (Hebrews 10:24-25). Let it never be that when we wonder why we're at church services that we don't know why. Instead, let us be sure and confident as to why we're here!
Second, it will be very advantageous if, in time of difficulty, we can more fully understand why we're there. Difficult days are a common part of life and that's especially true for Christians striving to faithfully obey our Master. And, when a difficult day comes along, it is sometimes an opportunity for Satan to discourage us and perhaps for us to consider giving up. It is therefore important to be reminded that our difficult days, though not caused by our God, are allowed by Him such that we generally learn more from having to face challenges than to simply have lives of ease.
Paul told Timothy that all who desire to live Godly lives will suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:2). How we react to such difficult days and the choices we make is what will make all the difference. When Paul struggled with his "thorn in the flesh," he admitted he wanted the weakness to be taken away. Still, when God told him that the weakness was actually good for him, Paul realized why he was there. The apostle said, "I take pleasure in my infirmities... for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (II Corinthians 12:10).
Finally, it's important to know what we're doing in life. The question, "What's the meaning of life" should not trouble a Christian. Our answer should be quick and affirmative: "Fear God and keep His commandments. For this is man's all" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The purpose of humanity is to serve its Creator. Jesus said that we are to love our God with all our heart, soul, and mind" (Matthew 22:37). For those who do not believe in God, it's an unfortunate truth that they don't appreciate this reason as to why we're here. For those of faith, however, we have a clearly defined purpose in this life and we know why we're here.
As we continue living our lives, it will do us good to remember how to answer these important questions as we always wish to know why we're here and what we're supposed to be doing in being faithful to our Father in heaven.