Jesus, The Ultimate Purpose

Jesus, the Ultimate Purpose

All things were created by him and for him.

Colossians 1:16

IN WORD One of the primary sources of depression, we are told, is a sense of meaninglessness. Meaninglessness is the powerful vacuum behind the angst of secular society; it is the tragic result of false theories of our origins; and it is the number one cause of suicide. If life as a whole has no ultimate purpose—if it means nothing—then we as individuals mean nothing. And if we mean nothing, we can hardly bear to go on living. Life without meaning is a tragedy we cannot endure.

But life does have meaning. We are told so in the Word. Despite the persistent questions of philosophers—questions like “Why are we here?” and “Where are we going?”—we have been given a revelation. The questions were answered centuries ago. We are here because of Jesus. He was the hand of creation, and He is its ultimate goal. It was all done by Him, and it was done for Himself.

If you have ever struggled to find meaning in your life, consider this amazing truth: You were created for Jesus. You weren’t created incidentally as a by-product of the rest of creation. You were specifically designed for Him. You are a bride, handpicked for the Bridegroom; or an adopted son, chosen specifically by his Father. You were intentional.

IN DEED That’s a comforting thought for a society on the edge of despair. Though we once wandered aimlessly in this world, God had a plan for us. Here in Colossians, the plan is specifically identified. We are made for Him.

That’s a blessed truth with a huge responsibility: Territory in our lives that is not given over to Him amounts to a refusal to worship. If we were made for Him, and we aren’t giving ourselves to Him, we have some adjustments to make. But what a truth! We have been betrothed. There’s no greater security and no greater blessing. And for those of us who are looking for purpose, this is it. There’s no greater meaning.

The seed is choked in our souls whenever Christ is not our all in all.

—CHARLES SPURGEON