What has happened to our society that few seem to find a purpose in life?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: It was tragic to hear about the military man who committed suicide with a car bomb because he was trying to find a purpose in life. Why is this so prevalent these days? I can remember a father telling his son that the purpose of life is to labor in life by the grace of God. What has happened to our society that few seem to know this “matter of fact”? – P.L.
A: Many people find themselves asking, “What’s the purpose in living?” When they realize that pleasure, money, happiness, security, or success leave them feeling empty, they begin searching for something more. Carnal things never fill the void in life. When people come to this realization, they understand that self-fulfillment is futile.
Why is this? Because people were made for a relationship with God, and mankind will only find true meaning and purpose when they find Christ and make Him Lord of their lives.
God calls us to make a turn-about-face and commit our lives to Jesus Christ. How is this accomplished? By realizing that man has sinned and come short of God’s glory and receiving His forgiveness and salvation. He then comes and makes a home inside of us to guide and direct our steps. We then learn to trust him like the writer of Psalm 16, who said, “O Lord … You will show me the path of life” (Psalm 16:5, 11, NKJV).
One of the saddest things is to watch someone come to the end of life, never having realized the purpose of life. We aren’t here by chance; God has given life for a purpose, and the most important thing we can do is discover that purpose and commit ourselves to it. God desires us to discover what it means to live for Him and follow His will. The Bible says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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