Over the years, I’ve encountered many who wonder about the purpose of their lives. For many, all their energy went into their work, hobbies, and families. But as retirement loomed, the family grew and hobbies waned, prompting questions about purpose and what to do with the rest of their lives. Sadly, many people don’t have a hope or vision beyond themselves. In other words, their focus is on temporal things that will pass, such as retirement, death, separation, and distance. Sometimes we just can’t do what we want to do. As we grow older, our abilities and stamina aren’t what they used to be. I used to run marathons. Running was a passion, but today, although I walk five miles a day, my running is limited.

I am a man of faith. What does that mean? It means I believe in God and that we are on this earth for a purpose. While there are purposes tied to our physical life, there is also a purpose tied to our spiritual life. When I refer to God, I’m specifically speaking of Christianity and Jesus Christ. To define it further, I’m a Christ follower, not perfect, but a follower. This means that life is not about what I do on Sunday, but rather about what I do every day of my life. As a follower, the Scriptures influence my thinking, behavior, and actions. As I said, I don’t do it perfectly. Sometimes I battle my own nature and make wrong choices. Like the Apostle Peter, just when I think I’m strongest in resisting my nature, I find that I can quickly fail.

Ultimately, I believe we’re on earth for a purpose. It’s greater than what we do in life, yet it’s connected to everything we do. I don’t believe that when we die, it’s the end. A spirit lives on. Faith is about purpose. Some call it believing in something greater than ourselves. I realize not everyone agrees with me, and I don’t agree with them either. But here’s the difference. The Scriptures command me to love them anyway because that’s what Jesus would do. It’s always about choice. Think about it.