Why Are We Here?
In recent years, scientific discoveries have advanced at a remarkable rate. Technology has advanced to the point we can hold in our hand computers as powerful as used to fill entire rooms. Information spreads at a speed never imagined by our forefathers. We are but a few years away from private space travel, where consumers will be able to experience spaceflight for the cost of a ticket.
In spite of this illustrious and often mind-boggling progress, many people realize science is ill equipped to answer the basic questions surrounding our existence: Why are we here? Is there meaning to life beyond the physical? Is there anything beyond this life?
Those who look only to science, who limit the acceptable range of answers to materialism, and who deny any possibility of a spiritual realm, are limited in their responses. “There is no reason why we are here,” “The only meaning to life is what we make,” and “There is nothing beyond the life” are about the only answers they can offer.
Followers of Jesus can offer solid, biblically based answers to this question. God did not leave the big questions of life open to guesses and speculation. When someone asks, “Why are we here?” God provides the answer.
The universe came to be because God said, “Let there be…” Before that burst of creative energy, the stars, sun, planets, plants, and animals existed only in the mind of the Creator. Before matter, there was God. One writer said it this way, “God spoke the universe into existence. At least nine times in Genesis 1, you will find, ‘God said.’ These two words emphasize God’s awesome power. He has the ability to command nothing to become something.”1
That God created everything is important, but that alone does not tell us why we are here. Why is there a human race?
The Bible gives us enough insight to know at least three reasons He created us: to know Him, to have a relationship with Him, and to be stewards of the earth.
1. To Know Him
Jesus said in John 17, “This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent – Jesus Christ” (v. 3, HCSB). From the moment of creation God’s intention has been that we know Him. The heavens declare His glory and the Bible reveals Him to us. He wants to know us.
2. To Have a Relationship with Him
God also wants to be in relationship with us. In the prayer commonly called “The Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus revealed to us that we should address God as Father. God is not only the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He is our Father as well. “Whenever you pray, say: ‘Father, Your name be honored as holy’” (Luke 11:2, HCSB). Addressing God in this way reminds us that we are in a relationship with Him. He is Lord and Master, of course, but He is also Father.
3. To be Stewards
Last, God has given us the responsibility to steward all He created and placed on this earth. This responsibility was given to Adam and passed along to us. The Bible says, “The LORD God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it” (Genesis 2:15, HCSB). The Bibles call’s Christ’s followers managers (1 Cor. 4:1, 2) and Jesus often used parables in which managements or stewardship was the theme.
There is a purpose to our existence; life is not meaningless or arbitrary. We exist to know God, to be in relationship with Him and to manage His possessions until the return of Christ. What an awesome privilege that God cares about us.
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
General Editor, Bible Studies for Life
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Let’s Talk Football
This past weekend of college football was terrific. One of the greatest weekends of football I can remember. Most of the rivalry games were close and very exciting.
As many of you know
As many of you know, I wanted to be a football coach; in fact, I planned to be a college football coach before I went to coach the Dallas Cowboys. Then, God called me into ministry and absolutely changed my direction in life. Even my eight-year-old grandson, Peyton, asked me Saturday night, “Poppy, are you going to be a football coach when you finish preaching?” I informed him, “No Peyton, God wants me to preach the Gospel to see people saved, not coach football, even though I would enjoy it.”
Through the years with football coaches
This passion for the game of football has usually resulted in having strong relationships with football coaches. I have known coaches at every level, from high school, to college, to the pros. Periodically, we touch base, and through the years I have been privileged to pray for many of them, counsel them about their future, and coach them in balancing their lives.
There are so many likenesses in coaching football and pastoring a local church. Each of these roles involves leadership and teamwork. This has always resulted in some great and deep conversations. I have talked with football coaches on the highest of highs and have been there as they have wept in my home, trying to navigate through the next move in life. I have been with them once they have been hired and when they have been fired. It is a tough business, not only in the pros and collegiate realms, but even at the high school level. As the expectations of people escalate, the pressure continues to rise.
What a game
How in the world can you describe the incredible game this past weekend between Auburn and Alabama? Neither team deserved to lose. Great coaching, incredible teams, dynamic fans, and miraculous plays were all personified. What a finish!
Even the legendary and fabulous Head Coach, Nick Saban, was stunned by the last play of the game. Just as surprised, was personal friend and Auburn Head Coach, Gus Malzahn. It was an amazing experience; one of those fun times God affords us to enjoy this side of heaven.
One final word about our weekend
Josh, Kate, Nick, and Meredith had the opportunity to attend this incredible game at Auburn University. They experienced it all and loved it. It was special for all of them. Jeana and I had the privilege and responsibility for all six of our grandchildren, and yes, all at one time! I told them that was tougher than taking on Alabama! It was challenging, but fun. They never stopped… talking, running, challenging one another, laughing, and eating. In reality, we did not have too many crises. Not bad when you have six of them, ages one to eight, huh?
So our weekend was fun and full! I hope yours was a blessing. Until tomorrow….
Yours for the Great Commission,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.