The Meaning – and Purpose – of Life

“What is the meaning of life?” If there’s a more profound, more perplexing question, I haven’t heard it. Everyone has an opinion about it, but it’s difficult to find a consensus on an answer. How would you respond?

Simplistic thinkers might react with something like, “To have a good time, man!” Or reply, ”Just to get through the day.” But neither really addresses the quintessential meaning of life. Shouldn’t life, its meaning and purpose be more than merely existing, or enjoying some fleeting, sensory thrills?

More seriously considered ideas have been suggested, but one I came across recently caught my attention: "The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away." It’s uncertain who originated this view. It has been attributed to both William Shakespeare and Pablo Picasso the artist. Regardless of who said it first, it’s worth considering.

One clarification: With Christmas fast approaching, “Will” and/or Pablo weren’t referring to gifts we find under the tree on Dec. 25. They were thinking about innate talents, skills and passions, the things that inspire and motivate us – and in the process, fill our lives with meaning and purpose.

Even proficiency at climbing and 
cutting trees can be a gift 
to offer others.

I don’t fully concur with the assertion, because I’m in agreement with the Westminster Shorter Catechism which states, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” If we believe God created us and has a unique plan for each of our lives, that’s supplies ample meaning and purpose. But recognizing our gifts – innate talents, skills and passions – and then determining to use them productively, also can go a long way in giving meaning and purpose to our everyday lives.

The apostle Paul seemed to concur, presenting this advice to Timothy, his younger protégé: “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands…. He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:6-9).

In Timothy’s case, the gift involved channeling his faith into pastoral ministry. Paul exhorted him to “fan it into flame” so others would receive full benefit from it. Most of us aren’t called to preach, or to engage in pastoral ministry. But like Timothy, as stewards of the gifts, passions and callings God has provided, we’re urged to fan those into flame as well.

The Bible speaks specifically about spiritual gifts such as leadership, teaching, prophecy, mercy, service, encouragement, and others. But thinking in terms of recognizing our gift and then giving it away, as the Shakespeare/Picasso quote proposes, we can broaden the meaning to those things we’re especially good at that can be used to enhance the lives of others.

For some, this is teaching. As I’ve written before, the impact a gifted, dedicated teacher can have is immeasurable. I marvel too at those who have a special affinity for certain groups of people, whether they be small children, the disabled, the elderly and infirm, or those who demonstrate compassion and selfless care to those suffering with severe, often terminal illnesses.

Just the other day we had a couple of guys come out and cut down a couple of troublesome trees in our yard. Watching them clamber across those limbs, sometimes swaying in the wind, amazed me. When I asked one, “Are you having fun yet?” he replied, “If I wasn’t having fun, I wouldn’t be up here!” That, I believe, is the definition of a person who has found his gift.

For me, recognizing my gift – a love and facility for working with words – has resulted in a very fulfilling career as a writer and editor. There might be some who disagree, but I would like to think my work as an editor of newspapers and magazines, journalist, book writer/editor, devotional writer and blogger has been of benefit for some who have read my work.

My love for photography also has enabled me to capture the wonders of God’s creation, whether in nature, things people have fashioned with the creativity the Lord has infused into them, and the people themselves. And I’ve been able to share this with family members and friends.

That’s why years ago I adopted Psalm 45:1 as my “career verse.” It states, “My heart is overflowing with a good theme, I recite my composition concerning the King. My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.” It’s even served as the basis for my one-person writing and editing enterprise, ReadyWriter Ink.

Are you still trying to figure out the meaning and purpose of your life? If not, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to start by finding your gift – and then resolving to give it away.