Why are you here on earth?

Many people would answer this question with “to have a good time!” Our world thinks that happiness and pleasure are the goal of life – and as a result, our life choices should be directed towards these two aims. This is summed up in the popular mantra “Do what makes you feel happy!”

If happiness is the ultimate goal in life, then the Apostle Paul had a fairly unfulfilling life. He was chased out of towns, beaten, abandoned, shipwrecked and finds himself in jail as he writes these words:

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.
– Philippians 1:21–24

Paul says that the main point of life on earth is not to chase after the elusive goal of happiness, but to live for Christ’s honour (verse 20). That is not some abstract idea, but finds its expression as he seeks to be productively engaged in ‘fruitful labour’ (verse 22) which is particularly seen in the way he lives for other people (verse 24).

True joy is found not in turning inwards, but in looking outwards. That is why we are here on earth – not to serve ourselves but to serve those God has placed around us with the gospel of Jesus – even at a cost to ourselves like Paul did.

JAMES MITTELSTADT

Elder