What is the Meaning of Life?
You don’t have to create your own meaning. God has already written it into your story
Since the dawn of time, humanity has asked the question:
What is the meaning of life?
It’s the question behind every restless heart, every late-night conversation, every existential crisis. We can’t escape it—because deep down, we know life is supposed to mean something.
But why do we suppose there’s meaning at all? Why do we instinctively look for it, or try to create it? Where does that urge come from?
It comes from God Himself. You were made for a purpose. You were made by a personal God who stamped eternity onto your soul. That’s why the ache for meaning never goes away—because you were designed with it in mind.
The Ancient Answer That Still Satisfies
Centuries ago, pastors and theologians summarized life’s ultimate purpose in the very first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
Q: What is the chief end of man?
A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
That’s it. You were made to glorify God. You were made to enjoy Him. Not just for a season, but forever.
But here’s the problem: on our own, we can’t do that. Sin separates us from God, blinding us to His glory and leaving us chasing lesser things. That’s why we’re so prone to invent our own meaning—because we’ve lost sight of the One who gives it.
The Gospel Is the Door to Meaning
This is where the gospel comes in. God doesn’t leave us stranded, guessing at the meaning of life. He came to rescue us through Jesus Christ.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8–9)
You don’t earn your way to God. You don’t discover meaning by striving harder or being better. You are saved by grace, through faith in Jesus alone.
But here’s the amazing part: when God saves you, He also gives you direction. He doesn’t just save you from sin—He saves you for something.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
(Ephesians 2:10)
You were saved for good works—not to earn salvation, but because you’ve already received it. God has prepared a path for you to walk. Your life isn’t random or aimless. God puts you on a path, and He leads you forward.
You don’t have to figure it all out. You don’t have to create your own meaning. You simply trust God. Acknowledge Him. And He promises to lead you, to straighten your path, to guide you in the very purpose He’s prepared for you.
You Were Made for This
So what is the meaning of life?
To glorify God.
To enjoy Him forever.
To walk in the good works He prepared for you.
You don’t have to invent meaning. God has already given it. And in Christ, you can finally live it.
