Why were you born? What is the real purpose of your life? Have you ever pondered these questions?

In today’s world, with jobs, children, chores and leisure activities, life just seems to pass by quickly. Perhaps you don’t want to think about such deep thoughts, then again, maybe we should. It might help those struggling with such issues as drugs, alcohol, depression or any changes in the course of their lives. The word “purpose” as a noun means motivation, reason or cause.

As Christians, our purpose is to glorify, worship and adore God. A couple of verses you might want to read are Ephesians 1:11-14 and Romans 8:28. Bishop T.D. Jakes says “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”

It could even be your profession in life such as a doctor, attorney, counselor, artist, etc. In an experimental research program, a relationship was found between happiness and helping behavior. By helping others, we create positive bonds with people and enhance our self-image. Those who had more opportunities to offer help felt eleven percent better about themselves. I read some of the following from a book titled “The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People.” I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

The Labor Department has done a study on older workers to find out what keeps them coming to work and what encourages them to retire. One of the most often cited reasons for stopping work is that they are tired or want to spend more time in their garden. What often sends older folks into retirement is the feeling that they felt that their purpose was in doubt, that others could do what they could do better, and that they were only taking up space. They left because they were no longer needed.

Think about what this means for our personal lives. Even though we can’t retire from our personal lives, we still need to feel needed. Remember how much other people matter to you and realize that you matter to them just as much. Think of those who rely on your friendship, caring, guidance, help. You probably don’t realize how important you are to the people in your life.

Sometimes I wonder if our young people feel as though there is no hope or purpose in their lives. Thus, they turn to alcohol and drugs. They feel so alone and become depressed. In a recent newspaper I read the story about drug overdose deaths overwhelming the medical examiners. First, I feel bad for the young people who felt drugs were their only way out. Second, I feel bad for the medical personnel that must examine those bodies, sometimes weeks or months later. They are running out of room to store the bodies. According to that article, a record 47,055 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2014, according to the latest figures from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The number was up 7 percent from 2013, spurred by large increases in heroin and opioid painkiller deaths. Reports indicate overdoses continue to increase. To these young people I would like to direct them to The Bible, especially to Revelation 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”

Without a purpose nothing happens. You can work 40 hours a week, come home to cook, clean and then take up 72 new good habits, but if there isn’t a reason you are doing it, none of these activities will mean anything to you.

Say you’re a student. Why should you study for a test? To do well in the course. Why do you care if you do well in the course? So you can get a degree. Why do you care if you get a degree? Because it will help you get a good job. Now, the job may be years away, but it is the foundation upon which all your efforts are based. Take away the eventual outcome, and all the steps in between become just killing time. Why bother doing any of these things if they are not leading toward something you care about? It’s more fun to goof off than study for the test and if there is nothing at stake, then we goof off. It is much easier to apply yourself to the activities you do for your family or your personal success if you define what you want and are able to see how what you are doing is leading you forward.

In research on college students, a comparison was made between who enjoyed their lives and studies and students who were least comfortable with their environment. A major difference between the two groups was a sense of underlying purpose in life, which almost twice as many of the former group had.

So, take a few minutes and quietly contemplate where your life is headed. You will find more meaning in life once you know your purpose! Pablo Picasso stated, “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”