What is the Essence of Our Existence?
Understanding Our Divine Calling and the Path to Spiritual Fulfillment
Have you ever wondered why you were created, why are you on this earth, why do you even exist? And the answer is simpler than you would have thought. During our lives we will experience a complex mixture of experiences, but at its core lies an inescapable truth—we are created for God and for His glory. If you can grasp this, it will bring deep fulfillment, a sense of achievement, and deep-seated happiness, for it aligns us with the center of His will. As we seek this divine direction in our lives, what should be our daily aspirations to glorify God? Let’s look at how we can accomplish that.
The Pursuit of Nearness to God
To draw near to God is to long for His presence with every fiber of our being. This pursuit, however, requires a deep-rooted desire to invite Him into our lives. We must be ready and willing to make that sacrifice and leave our old ways to truly follow Him.
This doesn't imply we must abandon our current lives and embrace a missionary's life. Instead, it means we need to embody God's plan for our existence, to live a Christ-like life imitating Jesus. God commands us in His Word: “Be holy, because I am holy”. Holy means: “to be set apart”. To follow Jesus, you must separate yourself from worldly concerns, and be committed to moral and ethical wholeness. It's not about being perfect, but about being devoted and sincere in seeking to reflect the nature of God in your life. This is the fundamental aspiration God has for us, and everything else emanates from this primary goal. Again, you will ask, how can I achieve that?
Prayer and the Quest for God
Prayer is our spiritual compass that directs us towards God. It’s our private conversation with the Holy Spirit, our expression of humility, love, and need. James 4:10 talked about the need for submission to God, which facilitates our journey towards Him and the accompanying benefits.
To pray to God gives you a purpose and meaning in live, something to work towards. It brings you into a relationship with God. You should, thus, pray constantly and continually whenever there is an opportunity in your daily life. When at work, between meetings, when walking somewhere, you must use the opportunity to talk to God. This is how you will come into a relationship with God. Through moment to moment, unceasing prayer, is how God will always be on your mind, how you will be aware of His presence and be plugged into Him.
Purification for Closeness
However, to successfully draw nearer to God, you must also overcome the obstacles in your path. Our spiritual impurities harden us towards God's teachings and create a barrier between us and Him. You must get rid of your old worldly ways of thinking, acting, and living, and begin to replace these with the things of God.
1 John 2:15 says if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them. It also talks about the temporariness of the things of the world and their desires. But if you do the things and will of God, you will live forever. You cannot serve two masters - you must choose between God or the world. If you choose God, you must rid yourself of the ungodly things of this world. Therefore, purification is a prerequisite for drawing nearer to God.
Purification is the process of emptying ourselves of our egos, our prejudices, and our wayward desires, leaving a receptive heart. It is “emptying me from me!” It involves obedience to truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, leading you towards sincere love and a purified heart. This is the key to unlocking the path that takes you closer to God and aligns you with your divine purpose.
In essence, our spiritual journey towards God has two characteristics: the quest for knowing God and the pursuit of aligning ourselves with His divine plan. This journey demands a desire to do so, purification, and submission. As you navigate this path, you become more attuned to His will, and in doing so, find your true purpose, your true fulfillment, and your true joy.