...
Purity Spotlight
Why Are We Here?
by Jonathan Daugherty (jonathan@bebroken.com)
I realize I am not the first person to ask the question Why are we here? But since there seem to be so few legitimate answers being given for such a query I thought I would toss my response into the fray. Actually, my response isn't original. The answer I am to propose has been around for centuries and was first expressed by the One who created the here.
Genesis 1:27-28 states, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.'"
We can conclude from these original verses of the creation of mankind that we exist for two primary purposes: 1) to reflect the glory of God and 2) to inhabit and enjoy the world He created. The succinct answer to the first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism of What is the chief end of man? says it best, "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever."
I was profoundly reminded of this purpose over the past week. My wife, Elaine, was struck down with viral meningitis and she was bedridden the entire week. For the first four days she was virtually motionless in the bed, able only to wake for brief moments of taking medication and sipping water through a straw. She had never been so sick in her lifetime. Seeing her in such a condition left me shaken and, quite honestly, scared.
My children and I would pray for Elaine every day, often several times throughout the day. Each time I would be reminded of the brevity of life and what it means to exist in this world. I would ultimately land on this foundational question of Why are we here? My mind would then be drawn back to the Westminster Catechisms and the "chief end of man."
As I replayed those words in my mind, "the chief end of man," I would see my wife lying there, still and pale. The chief end of man...
I was struck with a profound realization about life, death and ultimate joy. It was as if God used this very scary event of sickness in my wife to open my eyes to God's deeper purpose in my life. He desires for me to love him and love others right up to the very end. In this He is glorified and through such persistent sacrifice I will enjoy Him forever.
So, why are we here? Unfortunately, I cannot answer that question for you. All I know is I have no doubts about why I am here. My purpose to the very end is to "glorify God, and enjoy Him forever." I pray you listen closely to hear God's answer...even if it scares you to death. And then live every moment to fulfill that purpose.
--------------------------------
Respond to this article here.
*****************************************
*****************************************
Real Answers to Real Questions
Real Question: I am very much alone and I have problems with doing practical things, paying bills and so on. I am very sensitive as a person so I often feel that people run over me and don't even see me.
I feel like I have only two possibilities: I can escape into a fantasy world or fight and stay in the real world.
Should I live as an eremite or can I enjoy life without sinning? How?
Real Answer: First, No I do not think you should live your life as an eremite. That would only lead to more shame, loneliness, despair, and eventually significant delusional thoughts and beliefs. Such a life is much worse than the pain and shame you are currently feeling. To give up is never a positive solution.
You phrased your final question in a very interesting way that seems to shed light on some core beliefs you may have that are just a little off center from the truth. You asked, "...or can I enjoy life without sinning?" A very interesting question. The seemingly natural conclusion one would come to from such a question would be, "Well, of course you would enjoy life if you weren't sinning." However, it appears to me you might be subconsciously asking a different question. A question such as, "Can I live the rest of my life without sinning?" (especially in this area of sexual sin) I think many of us ask such questions.
Here is the tough part about this life, my friend: sin will always be present with us until we go home to heaven. This is the truth. This doesn't, however, mean that God expects us to increase in continual failure by progressively giving in to the temptations we face. But it does mean that we must embrace the fact that we are broken, needy people. We will never be beyond a desperate need for God - ever. Our sinful nature is drawn to that which promises comfort, pleasure, and ease. So, while a perfect life (a life with no sin at all) is not possible, a life of growing intimacy and dependence on God IS possible. In fact, such a life of growing dependency on God is exactly how He designed us to function best.
The Christian life, the life of fullest contentment, is found squarely in the center of relationship; first with God, then with others. None of us ever experiences the "abundant life" that Jesus promised apart from relationships. It is how God made us. This is also typically the point of greatest fear for sex addicts. We become such divided people (the "outward" us and the "inward", sexually addicted us), that to entertain the notion of becoming transparent about who we really are is often terrifying. But it is only "in the light" that we will enjoy a life of a clear conscience and purity.
God is still working in your life. He wants to stretch your faith in Him into areas of your life that are beyond what you think you are capable of doing. Why? Because it is by walking such a path that you learn what faith is all about.
If you could see around every turn in the road of your life and know what was beyond every horizon, where would the need for faith be? God's Word says that the "righteous live by faith." If you want to experience in your daily life the riches of purity and peace, you must begin by allowing God to take you places where you can't see what is going to happen next. Faith begins when all you know about God is enough to believe all that you don't. Building relationships is hard work. It isn't always smooth and friendly. But by pushing through those difficult moments, your faith is strengthened and you come out victorious in your battle for purity.
I hope you are encouraged. Keep pressing forward. Keep inquiring of people. Keep your eyes and ears open for friends who can help you "practice" relationships. And never forget that the race is not always won by the strongest, but rather by the one who chooses to never quit.
--------------------------------
Do you have a real question you need answered? If so, email it to us at questions@bebroken.com.
*****************************************
*****************************************
Featured Resource
Man of Valor: Every Man's Quest for a Life of Honor, Conviction, and Character
By Richard Exley
In a society where it has become socially acceptable to hide who we really are, author Richard Exley, addresses the true and daunting pressures all men face — challenging them to confront those issues with conviction and strength of character.
In a devotional format and principles based on the book of Proverbs, with powerful chapters such as: “Fatal Attraction,” “The Dangers of Success,” “The Courage to Do What is Right,” and “The Power of Perseverance.”
click here for more info
