Introduction
Few questions resonate as deeply in the human heart as this one: “What is the meaning of life?” In different eras, philosophers, scientists, religious leaders, and ordinary people have sought answers to this question that echoes in the soul. Human beings may achieve great accomplishments, obtain recognition, accumulate possessions or social status, but at some point, they face the reality of existential emptiness. If life is only about being born, growing, working, accumulating experiences, and then dying, where is the real purpose?
The Word of God does not avoid this question; on the contrary, it presents clear and profound answers. The book of Ecclesiastes, written by Solomon—a man who experienced riches, pleasures, wisdom, and power—reveals the dilemma of someone who sought the meaning of life in everything this world offers. His conclusion is striking: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ec 12:13).
The purpose of life is not in fleeting achievements, but in knowing God, living in communion with Him, and fulfilling His will. It is in this direction that the Bible points, from Genesis to Revelation. While the world offers multiple temporary “meanings,” faith reminds us that we were created by God and for God. Therefore, the search for the true meaning of existence only finds its answer when we turn to Christ, the One who said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:6).
This article will deepen this reflection in stages: understanding the futility of human pursuits without God; discovering that we were created for an eternal purpose; realizing how this purpose manifests itself in our daily lives; and how it prepares us for eternity.
1. The Emptiness of Human Answers
Since ancient times, humanity has tried to answer the meaning of life without turning to God. Greek philosophers sought in rational thought an explanation for existence. Many peoples placed their hope in pagan deities, which were nothing more than projections of their own needs and fears. In the modern world, the search manifests itself in ideologies, science, pleasures, or even the worship of individualism. But despite so many attempts, the same feeling of emptiness remains.
Solomon, in his experience, describes this honestly: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ec 1:2). The term “vanity” in Hebrew (hebel) means “vapor,” “breath,” something transient and unable to satisfy. He recognized that even by accumulating wealth, wisdom, and pleasure, none of this filled his heart.
In today’s context, we see this same cycle repeated. People place their identity in professional achievements, only to discover that success does not guarantee inner peace. Others seek meaning in romantic relationships but are frustrated by human fallibility. Many look to consumption and immediate pleasure as the answer to emptiness, but in the end, feel even more dissatisfied.
The emptiness of life without God is not an accident, but a divine reminder that we were created for something greater. The book of Proverbs warns us: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Pr 14:12). What seems safe may be only an illusion. Therefore, when humans insist on finding meaning outside the Creator, they inevitably face frustration.
This emptiness can also manifest subtly. Sometimes a person has an apparently stable and satisfying life, but deep down feels that “something is missing.” This feeling is evidence that nothing created can replace the Creator. As Augustine, a 4th-century theologian, said: “You have made us for Yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
Thus, existential emptiness is both a diagnosis and an invitation: God shows us that life without Him is insufficient, so that we may seek in Him the true meaning.
2. Created for an Eternal Purpose
The Bible teaches us that human beings are not the result of chance. We are not the outcome of a cosmic accident, nor the random consequence of evolution. The Word clearly declares: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness.” (Gn 1:26). This truth gives us a firm foundation: we were created in God’s image, with dignity, value, and purpose.
The psalmist recognized this greatness when he said: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Ps 139:13–14). Our life did not begin by accident, but in the heart of the Creator. This means that every person, regardless of origin or circumstances, has intrinsic and eternal value.
God’s eternal purpose is that we live in communion with Him, reflecting His glory and enjoying His love. Paul affirms: “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever!” (Rom 11:36). In other words, our existence has a starting point (God), a reason for being (God), and a final destination (God).
In practice, this completely changes our perspective. When we live only for ourselves, achievements become small and temporary. But when we understand that we were created to glorify God, even the simplest tasks of daily life take on new meaning. Working, caring for family, studying, serving others—all can be done as an expression of worship.
This eternal purpose also reminds us that our life here is not the end. The apostle Paul declared: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Phil 3:20). This means that the true meaning of life is not limited to the years we live on this earth but extends into eternity.
When we understand this, the weight of earthly existence becomes lighter. Sorrows and difficulties do not disappear, but they are put into perspective. Eternity changes the way we see the present. That is why, even in the face of losses or disappointments, we can affirm: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Rom 8:18).
3. Forgiveness and Freedom from Condemnation
If the purpose of life is to live in communion with God and reflect His glory, this must be visible in our daily choices. The apostle Paul reminds us: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31). This instruction shows us that there is no separation between spiritual life and ordinary life: everything we do must be for God.
This means that purpose is not only in great moments or significant decisions but also in the small daily actions. A student who dedicates himself to learning, a worker who fulfills his duties with honesty, a father or mother who lovingly cares for their children—all are living out God’s purpose when they do these things in obedience and gratitude to the Lord.
Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mk 12:30). Purpose begins in love for God and is manifested in love for neighbor. Thus, every decision should be illuminated by this truth: “Does what I do glorify God? Does it show love to others?”
It is in this practical dimension that we find meaning even amid difficulties. For example, someone facing hard and little-recognized work may find purpose when they understand they are serving the Lord. A mother who dedicates her life to caring for her family finds meaning when she understands this is also a divine calling. Even suffering, when given to God, can be used to shape our character and bless others.
This daily purpose also protects us from the emptiness of comparison. In a world that values status and performance, it is easy to feel small or insignificant. But the Bible teaches that every part of the body of Christ is essential: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’” (1 Cor 12:21). This means that even in tasks that seem less important, we are fulfilling an indispensable role in the Kingdom.
Living this purpose is not easy. It requires discipline, renunciation, and faith. But it is also liberating because it frees us from the slavery of seeking human approval and places us in the security of living for God. It is in this daily walk that we discover that the true meaning of life is not in “having more,” but in “being more” in the presence of the Creator.
4. Called to a Purpose
One of life’s greatest challenges is finding meaning when everything seems to collapse. Illnesses, losses, financial crises, disappointments, and unexpected struggles often make us ask: “Is it worth going on?” At such times, the perspective of God’s purpose is essential so that we do not succumb to despair.
The Bible does not ignore human suffering but places it within a greater framework. The apostle Paul reminds us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28). This does not mean that all things are good in themselves, but that God is able to use even the most difficult circumstances to fulfill His plan.
Joseph in Egypt is an example of this. Sold as a slave by his own brothers, unjustly accused and imprisoned, it seemed that his life no longer had meaning. Yet, at the right time, he declared to his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Gen 50:20). God’s purpose transcended human evil and turned tragedy into salvation.
In the same way, Christians can face life’s storms with hope. Not because they cease to exist, but because they do not have the final word. Jesus Himself said: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33). This victory of Christ guarantees that our pains will never be in vain.
Living with this understanding gives us resilience. We can cry, feel pain, and grieve, but we do not need to despair. God’s purpose anchors us amid storms. He does not waste a single tear; every experience is used to shape us, strengthen us, and prepare us for greater revelations of His glory.
5. Living Out Identity in Daily Life
Human beings often live as if this life were all there is. But the Bible shows us that earthly existence is only the beginning of a journey that culminates in eternity. Without this perspective, the purpose of life seems limited; with it, everything gains new meaning.
Jesus said: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (Jn 14:2). These words reveal that our hope is not restricted to the here and now but to the glorious future Christ is preparing for His children.
Paul reinforces this thought when he writes: “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” (1 Cor 15:19). In other words, if there were no eternity, faith would be empty. But since Christ has risen, our hope is living and unshakable.
This certainty transforms how we live today. Present difficulties cease to be unbearable burdens when we understand they are temporary compared to eternity. As Paul declared: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Cor 4:17).
The eternal purpose also drives us to live responsibly. If life does not end with death, then our choices have eternal weight. This calls us to invest in what truly matters: knowing God, loving others, serving the Kingdom. Every action, no matter how small, has value before the One who will judge all things.
Living with eyes on eternity gives us courage, hope, and joy even amid pain. We know that one day we will hear the Master’s voice saying: “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Mt 25:21). This is the ultimate purpose of life: to be forever in God’s presence.
Conclusão
Throughout this study, we have seen that the search for the meaning of life is universal, crossing cultures, eras, and hearts. Philosophers, thinkers, and artists have tried to offer answers, but only in Christ do we find the complete revelation. The purpose of life is not in accumulating wealth, gaining status, or living only for oneself. It is in knowing and glorifying God, living in communion with Him, and fulfilling the mission entrusted to us.
The Word reminds us that “the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This purpose withstands life’s storms and points to eternity. In Christ, we understand that nothing is in vain, not even our tears. Every step, every struggle, every victory, and even every failure is used by God to shape us according to His will.
Therefore, when existential emptiness knocks at the door, remember: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28). When doubt about the future arises, trust in Jesus’ promise: “My Father’s house has many rooms. […] I am going there to prepare a place for you.” (Jn 14:2). And when the weight of tribulations seems unbearable, repeat with faith: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Cor 4:17).
The meaning of life, therefore, is not an abstract or theoretical answer, but a concrete reality lived in Christ Jesus. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. In Him, we find reason to exist, courage to endure, hope to continue, and the destination toward which we walk. To live with purpose is to live with eyes fixed on Him, knowing that we were created by God, for God, and for eternity with Him.
