The Purpose of LifeSample

The Worldly Race and the Reality of Death

Recently, a childhood friend of mine, a year younger than I, passed away due to cancer. He was the eldest son in his family. How many expectations he must have had! It was the season of life to begin anew after completing his studies. He would have possessed countless dreams regarding the future. Yet, at the end of a two-year struggle, death embraced him.

Observing the atmosphere of that house of mourning, and the relatives and friends who came to behold his body laid there, a thought arose within me repeatedly: "Why this life? What is the very meaning of this life?" When a son, reared for twenty-five years, hath perished, how shall those parents accept it? How shall they find comfort? Many such questions emerged.

If we behold this world, men are born, they grow, they receive education, and they attain knowledge. Some, lacking such opportunities, walk in other ways. According to their knowledge and talent, they perform their labors. In some manner, they contribute to the society in which they dwell. A few live without purpose. Yet, many run toward the next stage of advancement in their lives. Each hath diverse goals. Some run to gain more knowledge, some to earn greater wages, and some to multiply possessions. Still others press forward with a thirst to achieve something in this world or to discover something new. Many live usefully to the world; a very few may live without any profit at all.

"I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit." (Ecclesiastes 1:14)

Life doth not continue thus forever. This race shall one day come to an end. Death is certain for all. To some, it cometh suddenly; to others, it cometh with expectation. Some die even as they begin life; others die in old age after living and experiencing it. In all states, death is unavoidable. For example, suppose a man creates a modern machine that is most profitable. Death may come before he begins to create it, or while the work is in progress, or at the moment of its completion. If not, death may come after he hath introduced it and enjoyed its name and fame. If it be so, what is the meaning of this? What is the fruit of every deed we perform in this world?

"For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity." (Ecclesiastes 2:22-23)

Reflection

If our life be transitory, what is the state of our life if we should die tomorrow? Have you ever asked this question in your life? Doth your life afford you meaning? Reflect upon it. Whenever you perform any labor, ask yourself, "Why do I do this?" If this question be not with you, and if you have not found the answer for it, you are dwelling in darkness; your eyes have been blinded.