What Are We Living For?

I love this picture from when our family went to Disneyland a few years ago. We had so much fun. You wouldn’t know it from the terrified look on my grandson’s face. I don’t remember whose idea it was to sit him on the roller coaster’s front row!

Back when I was a UPS driver, I would often ask my customers, “Do you think we are here by accident? If not, what do you think the purpose of life is?” I will never forget one young man’s answer. He said, “It’s to have as much fun as I can get away with!”

I love honest people.

Isn’t having fun what most of the world is living for? I’m a big fan of fun. Jazz music makes me happy. Playing games and throwing the baseball with my grandsons is a highlight of my days. Having fun is a big part of my life.

But did God really put us here on earth primarily to have fun? Jesus didn’t say, “I came that they may have fun, and have it more abundantly.” He said He came that we might have LIFE more abundantly.

I believe the greatest joy in life doesn’t come from having fun, but from having Christ. It’s in knowing I’m forgiven and I’m going to spend eternity with Him because He loves me. True joy comes from having power over my selfish impulses, and peace of mind, knowing I’m right with God.

Fun is important. God wants us to enjoy this life. But if we live just for fun, we will miss the meaning of life. But if we live to please Jesus, we will discover the indescribable joy of the Lord… and have some fun along the way!