Why Were You Born?

Why Were You Born?

Originally written by Dan Jenkins, 11/15/20213

Solomon said, “For everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecc. 3:1). Have you ever considered, not just the time for every purpose, but the purpose itself? More specifically, have you ever considered the purpose for your existence? Have you given much thought to the question, “Why were you born?”

The ancient Greek philosophers thought about the purpose of life and Paul described their conclusion, “If the dead do not rise, ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die’” (1 Cor. 15:32). This same attitude is reflected in our own society. If there is no God, if there is no resurrection, if there is no accountability on a final judgment day, then all that matters is what is happening right this minute!

This concept of instant gratification underlies sins like robbery, rape, neglect of children, fornication and adultery. All that matters is the present, and little thought is given to the consequences of decisions and actions.

It is reflected in the god of materialism which is worshiped by the majority of Americans. The words of Isaiah describe this attitude. “Yes, they are greedy dogs which never have enough…They all look to their own way, every one for his own gain…‘Come,’ one says, ‘I will bring wine, and we will fill ourselves with intoxicating drink; tomorrow will be as today, and much more abundant’” (Isa. 56:11-12). This attitude is seen in that bumper sticker which read, “He who dies with the most toys wins!”

Another manifestation of the wrong purpose in living is seen in the self-centered lives many live. All that matters is that those around me give me what I demand and always let me have my own way. Even religious people can easily be guilty of this. The priest and the Levite did not help the bleeding man beside the road for they thought that the things they wanted to do that day were more important than the needs of the man before them.

What is the proper view of life? If God did “know you when you were in the womb” (Psa. 139:13-15), what did He see as your purpose when you first saw light and took your first breath? Whatever is the answer to that question is the underlying principle which should govern our decisions and actions until the day of our death?

Before looking at God’s answer as to why you were born, take time to reflect on the underlying principle which molds your decisions. How does God see the reason for your existence? Hear His words, “For I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him” (Isa. 43:7). He created you for His glory! Are you fulfilling His purpose?