THE CENTER OF LIFE QUESTIONS

By Barry Shaw

Ravi Zacharias teaches that four questions lie at the center of life. They are origin (Where did I come from?); meaning (Why am I here?); destiny (Where am I going?); and morality (What is right and wrong?). Why I Am a Christian, Geisler and Hoffman, page 303.

In pondering these “center of life” questions, Zacharias writes: “Beginning with wonder in childhood and after pursuing truth in adolescence and fulfillment of love in adult years, all culminating in a relationship, we finally face in the end an old age that longs for hope and security...” He concludes: “For me personally, the only one whose answers correspond to reality and cohere in their sum and substance is Jesus Christ.”

Recently, I retired from my profession of forty-three years. It’s been quite a run: education, marriage, family, work, church and community have filled my days. Where did all the time go? One day I am young and setting goals for my future, and then before I know it, most of the goals have been fulfilled and I’m approaching the twilight of my life. As the excitement and freedom of retirement wears thin and the days become routine, unsettling “center of life” questions come to the fore: What is the meaning of my life? Is there something else God intends for me before my flesh returns to dust? What is my destiny?

I love the Bible because it always answers any question I have in life! The Bible was written for our instruction so that as we endure life we might be assured of the hope of God. The Apostle Paul wrote: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

In his twilight years King Solomon asked: “What does man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises...All things are wearisome, more than one can say...There is no remembrance of men of old, and even those who are yet to come will not be remembered by those who follow.” Ecclesiastes 1:3-11 At first glance it appears that Solomon regarded life as hopeless, meaningless and without purpose, but in his old age he found the answer to all of his “center of life” questions: “...here is the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 “...the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands.” Ecclesiastes 9:1

After the 5000 had just been miraculously fed bread and fish, the Lord Jesus Christ answered a center of life question posed by some of them: “What must we do to do the works God requires?” In essence, they were asking what is God’s purpose for us in this life. “Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.’” John 6:28,29 In just a few words, the Lord explained what this life is all about. We are to “...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

I’m at the stage of my life that “longs for hope and security.” I surmise that is why the Holy Spirit placed these center of life questions in the front of my mind. But I am greatly comforted by our Lord’s answer, particularly as to what I’m to do the rest of my life. I am to turn to Him first in all things, to fill my thoughts with His desires, to take His character as my pattern, and to serve and obey Him. Life Application Bible, Tyndale (NKJV) Matthew 6:33.

He’ll take care of the details.

J.P Moreland wrote, “At the end of the day, we all need to have a worthy purpose in life...When it comes to a life of purpose, when it comes to finding something worth living and dying for, discipleship unto Jesus is the only game in town.” Why I Am a Christian, id at 301.

I rest easy these days as I ponder the “center of life” questions that arise from time to time. As each day begins, I look to Him for direction and He always comes through. Although retired, my life is so filled with Godly things that sometimes I could almost burst with excitement over the things I have to look forward to the rest of my days! What a wondrous God we have in Jesus!

Barry N. Shaw writes from Applegate Valley, Oregon.