What is God's meaning of life?

Answer 1

Modern science has struggled to answer that question. "There is no intrinsic, evolutionary meaning to being alive," stated David P. Barash, a professor of psychology and zoology. For evolutionary biologists, living things have only one purpose: survive and reproduce. Thus, Professor Barash suggests: "In a huge universe that is devoid of purpose and uncaring about people, it is the human project to give meaning to our lives by the free, conscious, intentional choices we make.Is that all there is, then, to life-each one of us doing what he or she wants? Rather than leave us to wander aimlessly in a universe devoid of purpose or meaning, The Bible has long revealed that we are here for a reason. Our existence is not the result of some cosmic accident. The Creator, we are told, took years to prepare the earth for man's arrival. Nothing was left to chance. He made sure that everything was "very good." (Genesis 1:31; Isaiah 45:18) Why? It was because God had a purpose for man. Yet, interestingly, God did not predestine the future of each individual, either by divine intervention or by some biological process. Although we are influenced by our genetic inheritance, we are largely in control of our actions. We are all free to choose our own course in life.

While it is up to each of us to choose what to do with our life, it would be a mistake to exclude the Creator from our deliberations. Actually, many have discovered that real meaning and purpose in life is bound up in a relationship with God. The vital connection between God and our purpose in life is highlighted in God's personal name, Jehovah, which literally means, "He Causes to Become." (Exodus 6:3; Psalm 83:18) That is, he progressively fulfills whatever he promises and always accomplishes what he has set out to do. (Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 55:10, 11) Think about that. The name Jehovah is a pledge to all of us that he is the ultimate and enduring Source of meaningful purpose.

Jewish answer:

The philosophy of Judaism is that this world is a purposeful creation by God, in which all people are tested concerning their use of free-will. We possess a soul which lives on after the body dies and is held responsible for the person's actions.

Also:

1. God exists, and is the Creator.

This tells us that the world is not chaotic or the result of chance. Life is the work of a deliberate, purposeful, intelligent and kind Creator; not a melancholy chaos or a string of fortuitous accidents. God is at the center of reality and should be the center of our world-outlook and thoughts.

2. God is eternal.

This includes the belief that God's ways are also eternal. God is not capricious, forgetful or fickle. Investing in a relationship with God is the only thing that will bear eternal benefits.

3. Prayer is to be directed to God.

This teaches us that no person, government or institution is to be accorded blind trust. We should pray to God, and we recount our shortcomings, ask for our needs, and acknowledge our successes with happy thanks.

4. God knows the thoughts and deeds of all. He has given us free-will (Deuteronomy 30:15-20), and we're tested as to how we use it.

5. God rewards the good and punishes the wicked.

These two beliefs provide a vast incentive towards righteousness and, when needed, repentance.

They also form part of the basis of our belief in the afterlife, since this entire world wouldn't be enough to reward a Moses or punish a Hitler.

God is just (Deuteronomy 32:4); and all outstanding accounts are settled after this life.