Before I gave my heart to Jesus in 1981, my life was basically empty and I had no real idea what my purpose in life was. While I searched for meaning intently from 1980 to 1981, I sadly at the conclusion of my search, was no further along in finding out my purpose than when I started.
My friends, the reason why I was not able to make any progress was because I was searching in all the wrong places. From dabbling in transcendental meditation, and Silva mind control to reading and exploring Eastern mysticism, I had left out God in the equation. As a result without God as my starting point I was doomed to failure on my quest for meaning in life. Rick Warren said it so well: “You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.”1
Without recognizing that God is our Creator and He has a special purpose for each one of His created beings we not only will never find real meaning in life but we will, when we reach old age, find out that life was so unsatisfying and our legacy to future generations quite meaningless.
Once I gave my heart to Jesus, however, everything began to change. I understood that I was now a child of God, had immense intrinsic value, was created to glorify God, had an eternal soul, and that enjoying an eternal relationship with Jesus was what made my life exciting, joyous and full of meaning.
Now at age 73, as I reflect back on my life, I realize that glorifying God in everything I do, helping others in any way I can, and sharing the good news of the gospel whenever I can is what real living is all about. Not to mention, eternity with Jesus means my journey through life need never end and that I will reign with Him forever, in perfect health and in total bliss.
Now as a Christian, life makes so much sense because I know where I came from, from the good pleasure of Jesus, I know my purpose in life, to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, and I know where I am going when death takes its toll – into the very presence of my Savior – forever!
Thank you for sharing, Curt. I’m personally grateful for your openness, your faith, and the blessing you have been in my life. Your story is a powerful reminder that true purpose is found in Christ alone. May the Lord continue to use your life and witness for His glory.