“yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” 1 Corinthians 8:6 ESV
Reflection: why do we exist?
The purpose of life might be the most pondered question of all time. To try to find meaning in what we experience, from the moment we enter into this world, what purpose we are to fulfill while here, and finally what happens after this life. Sort of the existential questions. And what is so interesting about this is that pretty much every human, throughout history, has wrestled with some or all of these questions. I am sure you have thought about this too, as we all have this need, this thirst to answer these questions. And there is no lack of ideas, proposed answers. Perhaps the one answer which most closely aligns with the world way of thinking is something referred to as
“Self-Actualization”
The term was coined by a German doctor of the late 1800s named Kurt Goldstein, and was later incorporated by a psychologist named Maslow within his framework of “hierarchy of needs” which he claimed all humans have. The highest need in the hierarchy, according to Maslow, is this “self-actualization”. It represents where one’s potential is fully realized after more basic needs, such as for the body and the ego, have been fulfilled (Wikipedia). We see here the pinnacle of ego, of self focus and “fulfillment”, in which of course there is no room for others. Certainly no room for God. Interestingly, Maslow later realized that there is more, that satisfying self is not the end, that there is something even higher that humans must strive for, called “self-transcendence” which, strictly speaking, extends beyond one’s own “needs”. Even including a “spiritual” dimension. Isn’t it interesting that even the secular world realizes that self is not enough, that there is something beyond ourselves much more important, that will fulfill our highest purpose.
What took Maslow a lifetime to figure out was already staring him in the face. He could have just read the Bible, and found the answers. In our focus verse today, Paul summarized our purpose, what brings meaning to our lives. He writes first of the why we exist, saying “yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist”, 1 Corinthians 8:6a ESV, and then goes on explaining how that is possible to fulfill, saying “and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” 1 Corinthians 8:6b ESV. This is exactly why we can never be fulfilled just by focusing on ourselves. We exist for God, to glorify God, who created us. And, we can only do that through Jesus, following him as our Lord.
Jesus summarized it this way, “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”” Matthew 22:37-40 ESV. After his long and very prosperous life, the wise King Solomon wrote “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 ESV.
The purpose of your life. Of my life.