Purpose

Purpose in life is far more important than property or possessions. Having more to live with is no substitute for having more to live for. It has been said that ‘the two greatest days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why’.

The purpose and goal of your life should never revolve around material things. Rather, ‘Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honour’ (v.21). Make this the aim of your life – to pursue a right relationship with God and a right relationship with others.

Love should be your aim: ‘Sinners are always wanting what they don’t have; the God-loyal are always giving what they do have’ (v.26, MSG).

The irony is that those who pursue righteousness and love find what the hedonist is seeking: ‘life, prosperity and honour’ (v.21b). But these are by-products. They should not be your aim or purpose. Rather it should be God’s kingdom and his righteousness. Jesus promises ‘all these things will be given to you as well’ (Matthew 6:33).