MAY TAKE: IN SEARCH FOR MEANING OF AND PURPOSE IN LIFE

After the hustle and bustle of the just-ended Christmas season and now faced again with the usual trials and tragedies that the New Year will most definitely usher in, the inherent wonderment, confusion and even despair that is natural in each human being's character will once again fill our minds and hearts with a craving for answers to such questions as 'what is life, really?', 'why are we here?' and 'what is the purpose of it all?'

That people look to the Bible for answers is not a surprise. The positive impact it has had upon civilizations, both ancient and modern, is such that the book has been and remains to be the best selling publication of all time. That of course is an expected consequence of what is considered the 'written word of God'. The question is 'does the Bible really contain the answers?' And as the saying goes, that depends upon the reader or the searcher and there is only one way to find out: read it yourself.

Put plainly, while it does contain hints, allusions and some direct and precise pronouncements about both meaning of and purpose in one's life there is no guarantee that each person will discover, learn or understand any of those.

How so? First, it is because the Bible itself declares in 1 Corinthians 2:14 ''The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." In other words unless one is filled, guided and empowered by the Spirit of God he/she will miss or will not get what he is looking for. Second, in order to have the Spirit it follows that one's first desire must be that of coming to know God on a most personal and intimate basis. By the way, religion or religious affiliation has nothing to do with this kind of endeavor. It is your private and personal business with the ultimate author of the Bible, God Himself, personified by His Son Jesus Christ whose human birth was what the Christmas celebration was about.

My wish, nay my prayer, is that before you 'dig in' to the Bible you will have the humility and boldness to come to Christ by faith through an honest and simple prayer and surrender of your heart, soul and mind to Him while admitting your sinful nature. Ask Him to forgive you and ask Him to change you the way He has planned for your life. Wait and see what happens. You might find the answers yet to your questions. I suggest you begin by reading and mulling over these verses: John 3:16-18; John 3:3; Matthew 6:33; Romans 8:9-11.

Happy New Year!