How Did “Religion” Become A Dirty Word?

Pick:

Would you rather organize the forks in your utensil drawer by pattern and preference, or use one to enjoy some amazing lasagna?

Should each of your spoons have its own name and serial number, or would you just use one with a big bowl of ice cream?

Some knives are serrated, some not. You could draw up a compare and contrast chart on their usefulness, or just pick the right one and enjoy that steak.

These choices sound silly, because they are. Most would rather skip the culinary busy work, and just chow down.

While an exaggeration of what happens with the word religion, there is a parallel.

A religion is a system of belief and practice that elevates one beyond the ordinary, focusing on the spiritual instead of only the physical, almost always involving a deity.

Some faiths seem to concentrate on repeating ritual, on rote obedience practices that can be checked off on your spiritual clipboard. These can be seen as efforts to earn favor/salvation. This Works Theology gives people a feeling that they are on the right track towards an ultimate goal.

The danger is that this can lead people into just going through the motions, a habit that makes them feel worthy. It can also convince them that they don’t need to make more fundamental and significant changes in their life.

Others feel these practices are a distraction. They would rather devote their time and energy to efforts to improve themselves and others, concentrating on the most important parts of their faith.

Still others see these rituals as proof that all faiths are a waste of time. They equate them with religion as a whole, and reject any notion that any faith has value.

Jesus understood that. The religious leadership of his day were experts at majoring in minors. It’s easier to do some small thing that you can check off your list than it is to change your heart. He would have to remind them what God said through the prophet Hosea “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” (Hosea 6:6, Matthew 9:13, Matthew 12:7)

Other times he would call them out for prioritizing the wrong things.

“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.” Luke 11:42

Jesus wasn’t a fan of rote ritual either. He would agree with those who felt that some have become sidetracked by religious busyness.

Although God had instituted some practices in the Old Testament, the leaders substituted devotion to him with devotion to rules, misunderstanding their intent.

Unfortunately, some overreact and throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. Because then they don’t agree with rote ritual, they walk away from it all. This might also happen when they equate faith with “Organized Religion” or denominational structures.

They may have had some bad experience, and thus reject all faith. These are the same people who bought some fruit that spoiled, yet kept shopping for groceries. Or the people who had a misdiagnosis, but continue to see doctors. Or didn’t like the service at one restaurant, but didn’t stop eating out.

Others want to avoid expectations, and label themselves as “Spiritual not Religious.” (See https://davesoucie.wordpress.com/2019/05/04/spiritual-but-not-religious/ ) This is a Postmodern excuse at avoiding responsibility and accountability.

I understand the reluctance to avoid the word religion. But it seems an overreaction to less useful practices. It’s not God’s fault the word was ruined. Some of us are to blame.

There is an old saying that tries to distinguish between Christianity and other faiths. “Religion is man’s search for God. Christianity is God’s search for man.”

This is one of the ways that Christianity could be seen as different. Yet Christians have also been sidetracked by potentially mindless ritual.

It’s not in my power to salvage the word religion. I understand with and agree that some actions done within religions aren’t really helping anyone.

Yet to malign the word runs the risk of slandering all faith. When that happens, we all suffer, including God.

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.

Leave a comment Posted on April 26, 2024

Facing Rejection

I’ve been rejected. So have you. In one way or another we’ve all had to face rejection.

The causes vary. Sometimes our personality might rub some the wrong way. Professionally, we just might not be good enough. There are times when the real problem is with the other person. They reject you because they’re not happy about something in their own life. You might remind them of someone they don’t like, and automatically write you off.

Maybe there is something wrong with you. When it comes to looks, I have a face made for radio. [My wife will probably want to edit out that sentence, but I won’t let her. By the way, she’s really cute.]

What hurts me the most is when someone automatically rejects me because of my faith. In my role as a hospital chaplain, I’ve had people tell me, one way or another, that they don’t want me around 10 seconds after I walk into their room. They don’t even give me a chance to be helpful, assuming I’m an aggressive evangelist or there to read them the riot act.

I can’t take it personal. They’re not rejecting me. They’re rejecting what I represent.

That still hurts. I cherish my faith. I know the benefits that come from seeking God. I also understand that their rejection is based on bad experiences real or imagine, sensationalized half-truths, and false assumptions.

What happens next? I don’t believe Christ has called us to give up too easily. He didn’t. But at some point, you know you just need to move on. And that’s okay.

Jesus told his disciples that if they try to share the good news and are rejected, to walk away [Matthew 10:14-15]. We see him walk away from rejection in Luke 9:51-56. Paul and Barnabas had to do that in Acts 13:44-46. Paul had to do it again in Acts 18:6.

It’s not the place of believers today to go around correcting people. Yet about a thousand years before Jesus, King Solomon advised that if you did try, the people you want to help may turn on you. [Proverbs 9:7]

In his most famous sermon, Jesus said in Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” [NIV]

I’ve had people get very hostile with me when I’ve tried to model the love and grace and peace of God. It’s hard not to take it personal. I have to remind myself that usually these people have no idea what they’re talking about.

Until something in them changes, we need to do our best to be salt and light [Matthew 5:13-16], keep them in our prayers, and look for ways to be helpful so we can earn the right to be heard.

Even if they reject us for something unrelated to our faith, perhaps this response is still worthwhile, for their sake and our own.

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.

Leave a comment Posted on April 12, 2024

THE ADORATION of lesser gods

I always liked the music of the Beatles. What I didn’t like was the worship of the Beatles, Beatlemania, the obsession of all things related to the Beatles. Too much.

We saw the same adoration around the deification of Elvis. I remember a vintage newsreel from the 1940s of teenage girls screaming in delight when Frank Sinatra made an appearance.

Today it seems the prize for the most crazed example of fans goes to the Swifties, who idolize Taylor Swift.

This phenomenon is nothing new. Throughout history dating back millennia there are examples of rabid fans causing riots as devotees of one actor clash with the fans of another. But these stories are mostly forgotten, and only of interest to history nerds like me.

Confined to artists? No. Political and military leaders can surround themselves with devotees who will do their bidding. Religious cults typically begin with one charismatic leader who demands obedience to their commands no matter how bizarre and unhealthy. There is a long tradition, and plenty of examples, of the “Cult of Personality.”

Instead of a person, worship can be given to something broader. Sports. Hobbies. Greed. Sex. Status.

All these can be examples of THE ADORATION of lesser gods.

Why? What causes people to look for something to worship that is as flawed as they are?

1. Is it because it appeals to some simmering aspiration to become famous? If a celebrity can achieve such vaulted status, being adored by the masses, then perhaps I too could become highly admired. Since others value me, then perhaps I do have worth.

2. Is it easier to relate to another mere human than to a God that is beyond our full comprehension? Since these celebrities experience much of life like us, we think they can relate to us. This ignores the “word made flesh” of John 1:14, the incarnation of Jesus.

3. While the expectations from and sacrifices of fandom can be challenging, they don’t come close to what God welcomes from his people.

4. You could label it Substitutionary Narcissism, where we elevate one of our own. It reinforces the fantasy that we are the masters of the universe. It is a deification of humanity, an effort to sideline he who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. When we do that, making an imperfect human our standard to follow, we’re adding their flaws to our own, and we’re worse off than we were before.

5. The level of accountability is different. A celebrity only requires adoration and ticket sales. Military dictators and cult leaders demand complete obedience, but can’t read your thoughts. The Lord of Heaven wants us body and soul, and that is too high a price for the uncommitted.

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the talent of an artist, within reason. There is a problem with cult or totalitarian leaders.

Personally, I’d rather focus my loyalty on God who died to prove the depth of his sincerity, commitment and love. Only he deserves my adoration.

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.

Leave a comment Posted on March 28, 2024

Alone, In The Garden

It had been the most disturbing evening of his life.

Jesus thinks back on the Passover meal he had just shared with his Apostles. He had washed their feet, the task of a servant, something none of them had understood how they should have done this for each other and for him. He shared some final thoughts on the love of God and how they were to move forward without him, even though they didn’t fully understand. He broke the loaf to show what would happen to his own body. He poured the wine to represent his blood that would soon be spilled as the greatest expression of love.

They understood very little. Then, showing his resignation to what would have to happen, he told Judas to do what he had promised the authorities.

Jesus was already heartbroken. Now, in the garden he is alone. His three closest Apostles are a stone’s throw away, whom he had brought with him for moral support. But it was late. They had finished a large meal. And they couldn’t possibly understand the significance of what was about to happen. All three drifted to sleep.

Alone, in more ways than one.

He knows what has to happen. He has to become the perfect blood sacrifice to pay for all sin, even though he himself is sinless. He knows there’s so much more he could do to prepare the Apostles to launch his Church. He knows the excruciating pain he will experience while being tortured, and then nailed to a used blood-stained splintered cross. He knows his mother will watch him die.

No one else has ever faced this. He is alone.

He kneels. Three times he prays that he could skip this horrible burden. Three times he acknowledges he knows it has to be.

He had told the three Apostles that the spirit can be willing but the flesh will be weak. He knew that for himself, knowing what must be done, yet dreading what it will take.

Yet the warning wasn’t just for him alone. He knew that they had good intentions. But their loyalty would soon be put to the test. Peter had sworn he would never deny him, although Jesus knew he would do exactly that. They would give in to the temptation to save themselves, without looking far enough down the road.

Alone.

Troubled. Anguished. Overwhelmed with sorrow.

Alone.

An angel comes to comfort him. Yet only he must face what is coming.

Helped, but still alone.

He wakes Peter, James and John. The mob is on its way.

In the most twisted of ironies, Judas gives him a kiss. All those there that night except Peter, James and John know what this means.

Jesus is seized and hauled away. Surrounded by that mob, yet alone.

He knows the horrors he will face throughout the night and into the next day. He knows he must go through with it. He knows his role in the Master Plan. And he knows deep down that although he feels alone, God the Father walks with him and will never abandon him. [Psalm 22]

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Based on Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:40-46

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.

1 Comment Posted on March 15, 2024March 15, 2024

Don’t Touch The Stove! And Other Accommodations

The 3-year-old runs free, exploring the house, investigating everything.

There’s nothing cooking on the stove, yet. In time the stove will change from an inanimate safe dead appliance into a danger zone.

How do you explain to a 3-year-old how to read the knobs and interpret the lights? Is it off and cold? Is it on and hot? Safe to touch? Third degree burns painful?

Sure, the 3-year-old can’t reach the top of the stove, until they remember the stepstool around the corner. Even if the oven is empty, do you really want a toddler opening the door, depositing their germs, and getting their fingers caught in the door when it slams shut?

What do you do? You tell them to not touch the stove. Ever. Period. They lack the maturity to understand how to treat the stove. So, for their own good, you just keep them away.

Brace yourselves, I’m about to offend someone. Humans aren’t as smart as they think they are.

Yes, we have seen some progress. We can see it in how God has guided his people.

—————-

In the Old Testament era God was guiding Israel as he prepared them for their role in his plans. He told them what he knew they could handle, even though a more expansive and grandeur truth would be made known later.

1. In Old Testament times God directed his people to build him a Temple. In the ancient world, temples were where pagan gods lived. Was the God of Israel confined to the Tabernacle and later the Temple? Of course not. But he knew this is what the common people believed. He made an accommodation, for their own benefit.

In the New Testament era, the level of spiritual maturity had risen. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 we learn that God is alive in our hearts. Believers are the Temple of God. Those in ancient times may not have been able to handle that concept. Now we can.

This is similar to our understanding of the Church. Despite the first definition in most dictionaries, the Church is not a building. It’s the people of God: Ecclesia [those who respond to the call of God.]

2. A priest is someone tasked with representing the people before God. Back in the day, everyone thought it had to be this way. Only some special people could interact with God.

Ephesians 2:18 and 3:12 teach us that now we all have access to God. I’m a part of a fellowship of churches that teaches “the priesthood of all believers.”

God made an accommodation in the past when it came to those who had full access. Now all are welcomed into his presence.

3. The whole concept of the Old Testament Law was that the people needed a detailed guide for life and faith. It was an accommodation. I believe he gave them the Law to keep them busy, prepare them for their special role in his plans, and ultimately to prove to them that it was impossible to earn salvation by just following rules.

Enter Jesus, the only one who could fulfill the Law. Now we are no longer under supervision of the Law. [Galatians 3:23-25] Christ has given us a much higher standard to follow, with the gift of grace when we don’t do it perfectly.

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Today, when some people read the New Testament, they may see something that doesn’t seem right to them, and have a knee jerk reaction. Maybe it’s because they didn’t make the effort to learn the historical context, and therefore can’t understand what’s really going on. It could be that their own modern prejudices have clouded their judgment, and they can’t break free to see something differently. Or they may lack the spiritual maturity to allow the Spirit of God to touch their soul.

I’d like to suggest that instead of dismissing what one might not readily understand, to instead accept the possibility that a deeper truth may exist that is beyond one’s current capacity.

I fully believe that just as God made accommodations for his people during the Old Testament era, he may very likely be making accommodations for us. Different ones of course, but he knows best what we can handle.

I have some theories on ways he might be accommodating us, but I’m not sure I should write about them. If I did, would I be presuming to reveal what God has chosen to remain hidden for now? I truly don’t know.

But if I did explore them, maybe some who have a negative opinion of the Christian faith may consider that they have rushed to judgment.

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.

It’s Not Fair?

The workers who had been in the field all day were livid. But let’s reimagine a classic story. Let’s wonder what would have happened if they had the opposite reaction.

Jesus tells a story in Matthew 20:1-16 about some farm workers who were hired at the beginning of the work day to tend to a vineyard. A few hours later, others were hired. Still later there were more. Even at the end of the day the boss sent even more into the fields.

When it was time to receive their wages, the latest workers received a full day’s pay. Those who had been working all day started thinking that if those last hired got so much pay, their wages would be really high.

Nope. No matter when the worker started, they got the same pay. Those there all day complained that it wasn’t fair. The owner told them that it was his money and if he felt like being extra generous, they shouldn’t have a problem with that.

If we apply this today to today’s job market, most would agree with the workers. But as usual when Jesus tells a story it has a much deeper meaning.

There are believers who have spent nearly their entire lives doing their best to be faithful to God. Never perfect, but they have honestly made great efforts to love and serve God with all of their hearts and souls and mind and strength. Those Christians probably understand that if someone comes to faith late in life, even if they’ve lived a very ungodly life, they are to be welcomed with open arms.

But if a believer is less mature in their faith, they may grumble like the workers who spent all day in the fields.

Sounds a lot like the bad mood of the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son [Luke 15:11-32].

Yet there are bonus perks for those who have been lifelong workers/believers. What if the workers who labored all day had a better attitude?

1. Those who have always tried to do their best usually have less complicated lives. They don’t have to spend extra time and energy cleaning up some of life’s most damaging messes.

2. They can live with less regret. Not no regret, because everyone makes mistakes. But the past does not haunt them as much as felt by those whose pasts are more problematic.

3. These believers have had more opportunities to serve in the Kingdom. If someone comes to God late in life, they can still do amazing things in service to their Lord. They may well wish they had started earlier, decades sooner, accomplishing even more.

4. They will enjoy greater satisfaction with a life well lived, knowing they have given their best, with added momentum to finish well.

Whining is very natural. We expect to be treated right. We rage when life isn’t fair. This is normal. But Christ has called his people to be better than normal.

Perhaps focusing on the upside of living a faithful life can calm those frustrations. Perhaps those who have lived faithfully can let their light shine so that others may see their good deeds and praise their Father in Heaven. [Matthew 5:16]

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.

Leave a comment Posted on February 17, 2024

Why Was Jesus Baptized?

The practice of baptism predates Christianity. It was practiced in different forms by ancient pagan religions. The Jewish community used baptism in their purification ceremonies, and when a Gentile converted to Judaism.

In the Christian tradition it is a symbolic act of cleansing. So, if Christians state that Jesus was sinless, why would he need to be baptized?

Fair question.

All three of the Synoptic Gospels tell the story of when Jesus was baptized. [Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22]. John doesn’t cover it in his biography of Jesus because he has a different focus. Yet if three of them made the effort to include the story in their gospels, even though they had limited space, it must have been rather important.

When we look at these three accounts, several features stand out.

1. Jesus asked his cousin John [that is John the Baptist] to baptize him. John was baptizing a lot of people in the Jordan River for the repentance of their sin. But Jesus had not disappointed God by his actions.

2. This baptism takes place in the Jordan. While some denominations practice a form of baptism where a few drops of water are sprinkled on someone’s forehead, doing it in a river wouldn’t be necessary unless it was by placing someone completely under the water [immersion]. All scholars of all denominations agree that Jesus was baptized by immersion.*

3. After Jesus comes up out of the water a dove lands on him, with God pronouncing “This is my son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased” [Matthew 3:17]. With this act of affirmation, we see an example of the unity of the Trinity: God speaks, about the Son, with the Spirit in the form of a dove visibly confirming the relationship.

Okay, but why did Jesus do all this? Four interrelated answers.

One reason would be to set an example for the billions of believers that would follow him. We’re challenged to do our best to be like him [Philippians 2:5]. Baptism is one of the first steps.

It is an act of submission to the will of the heavenly father. Jesus came in service to the Master Plan to save humanity from itself. When we surrender ourselves to baptism, we are joining with him in that selfless cause.

His baptism was at the beginning of his ministry. Every Christian is to serve him and his Kingdom in some ways, depending on how they are gifted [1 Corinthians 12:12-38]. Baptism usually occurs when one first accepts Christ, after which they begin a life of service.

Lastly, his baptism was yet another reminder that he has walked in our shoes. He understands what it’s like to live a life with all its ups and downs. He gets it. [John 1:14, Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:14-16].

Baptism is a gift we can share with he who has given his all.

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*Three scriptures can show us how baptism by immersion has a deeper symbolic meaning.

Colossians 2:12 talks about baptism being an act of faith. While one’s faith is not in the person performing the baptism, allowing someone to submerge you underwater, backwards, where you are rather helpless, requires much more faith than someone who dribbles a few drops of water on you.

Acts 22:16 refers to baptism washing away our sin. When you are dirty, a bath is more effective than a shot glass of water. [Yes, I prefer showers over baths, but you get my point.]

Romans 6:4 refers to baptism being a burial. How are people buried?

I’m not saying “Be dipped or be dammed.” I am saying that immersion makes it a more meaningful experience, by someone who is of age who chooses to accept the gift.

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.

Leave a comment Posted on February 2, 2024

Eagerly Jumping To Conclusions

We’re all guilty of this.

Confirmation bias.

It’s when we hear something that aligns with what we believe, and immediately latch on to it without knowing the full story, without checking sources, without reflection. We like it because we see it as proof that we were right all along.

I’ve done this with newspaper headlines. I’ll read it, think “Yep, they’re at it again,” and move on. I’m more naturally drawn to articles, reports, and comments that make me feel better about what I already think.

This can be reinforced by Cognitive Dissonance. This happens when we look back on two options, convincing ourselves we made the right choice, because otherwise we were a fool. No one wants to think of themselves as a fool.

It should be no surprise to readers of this feature that I prefer to focus on the things of God, his Kingdom, the Lordship of Jesus, and the imperfect Church [there is none other]. I think the things that are eternal are a much better investment of my short life.

I’d like to share some reflections on how I’ve noticed some people respond to the historic Christian message, eagerly jumping to conclusions. The following are a few examples of when someone’s bias reinforces their rejection of the historic faith.

1. “There’s far too much suffering in the world. There can’t possibly be a god.” There’s a whole section of theology that deals with this thorny topic: Theodicy. The answers aren’t quick and simple, but it can be explained. Few bother.

Sometimes their rejection of God is based on the assumption that humans are as smart as God. That bias never ends well.

2. “The Bible can’t be true, there are too many contradictions.” It’s true that a quick glance at a couple texts may make it appear that they can’t be reconciled. But once the background information is included, those alleged contradictions usually fade away. The situation becomes more clear. Context. Context. Context.

3. “The Bible/Church doesn’t match my prejudices, assumptions, or accept how I want to live my life.” This one may have some merit.

Thousands of years ago the Bible told us “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” [Judges 21:25 NIV] Sound familiar?

The conceit that we are as smart or smarter than God means that humans should have created a utopia by now. And where is that? I’m looking. Nope.

But I’ll agree that how people believe may not match the Bible or the efforts of the imperfect Church. Yet the track record of billions of Christians doing their best to rise above the ordinary may tell us that there is a better way.

4. “The Church is _______. I can’t be a part of that.” I addressed that topic in a previous article. [https://davesoucie.wordpress.com/2023/10/27/unchurched-tells/]

5. “The Church / Christian faith is full of ________.”

It is so easy to embrace the caricatures.

In the 20th century, atheistic dictators [Hitler, Stalin, Mao Zedong, Pol Pot…] murdered well beyond 100 million people. Should I then assume that every atheist I’ve spoken with is a mass murderer?

What if a couple young men of a different race are behind me heading in the same direction as I’m walking? Do I overreact and call a cop?

A shameless TV preacher with a lavish lifestyle preaches a false gospel, which is an embarrassment to the Church. Do we then condemn and reject 99.999% of other pastors as guilty by association?

Everybody’s messed up in some ways. [Rom. 3:23] But picking the worst examples of any group, and assuming that they are normative for the rest, means you’ll never be able to associate with anyone. Sounds lonely.

6. “The Church needs to get with the times, and agree with me”

Recently there have been efforts to reinterpret the Bible to match current social positions. This is based on the assumption that an all-knowing God [unless you are smarter] intentionally allowed the Church to be misled for 2,000 years, and has only now decided it’s time to reveal the real truth. That would mean he meant for billions of believers in the past to believe the wrong things. I don’t think he cares for and loves us more than he cares for and loves them.

Final reflection: If you look for the worst of any group, or cherry pick the subjects that offend you without taking in the whole, or try to justify your prejudices by attacking anything that is a threat, you will cut yourself off from that which might be wonderful, from a community that can change your life for the better.

It’s never good to just reinforce what I believe without some thought. Routine knee-jerk reactions just lead to sore joints and sore heads. I read things that don’t agree with my faith, and that has helped me rethink some things, and refine others.

If you love to bash the historic Christian faith, or the Church Jesus gave us, you might consider trying that.

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.

1 Comment Posted on January 20, 2024

What’s The Purpose Of Life? Part 2 of 2

In my last article I shared my belief that the first purpose of life is to discover that God loves you, love him back, pass it around, and go home. For many that wasn’t shocking.

Now I’d like to propose the other purpose of life, which is about something you may not have ever considered.

Most people everywhere spend most of their time in the here and now. Juggling family and work. Paying the bills. What’s for supper? All those are important.

Yet we also use our time to prepare for the future. Planting a tree. Getting training or an education to better support ourselves. Sending aside money for retirement.

Let’s take that a step further.

Our experiences in this life prepare us for even more service to God beyond this life.

I’m not going to review all the life experiences you and I have faced, because I don’t need to. You know your own story. Challenges. Struggles. Achievements. Stressors. Disappointments. Setbacks. Victories. Defeats. We go from one to the next. It never seems to stop. But when we show our willingness and determination to keep on keeping on, God will use us for even greater things.

Know that the Lord will be beside you throughout your trek. On your own you might be toast. With his help you’re going to be okay. And where does all this lead?

Jesus taught us… “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?” [Luke 16:10-11, NIV]

1. We need to do our best to be faithful with this one short lifetime if we want God to give us a forever life with him in Heaven. 2. I am confident that the better we face the opportunities and challenges of this life will impact what God has planned for us on the other side.

When my dad passed, I posted on Facebook: “Life is school. Death is graduation. Do you have a job lined up?”

Forget all those silly cartoons about believers in Heaven sitting on a cloud in a white robe, wings, halo, harp. Pure fiction. Angelic beings have jobs. Human beings will have jobs. I’m not sure what those jobs will be but I am very very curious.

The first purpose of life is to discover that God loves you, love him back, pass it around, and go home. The other purpose of life is to use this one short life to prepare for the next, which lasts forever.

We do our duty to God, with his help, to the absolute best of our ability. We can show him that we do love him with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength from now until the end of time and beyond.

There’s value in all our life experiences, both pleasant and awful. How that exactly prepares us for future service cannot be known. I doubt God would have us live this one life, with all its ups and downs, merely to park us on a cloud.

Some see the next life as an opportunity to bask in the glory of God and give him praise forever. Sure. But I have a feeling it will be much more than that.

I’ve mentioned before that the most mysterious verse in all of Scripture is 1 John 3:2: “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” [NIV]

Humm. I wonder.

How you live your life here is an investment in your forever.

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.

Leave a comment Posted on January 6, 2024

What’s The Purpose Of Life? Part 1 of 2

I can hear it now, the outrage of some who are incensed that some unknown random guy would presume to know everyone’s purpose.

Could I suggest that you postpone your rage?

This is not about finding the perfect mate, or the most satisfying career, or how one chooses to spend their free time. Let’s step back from that and look at the whole of life.

I’d like to suggest that there are two universal ways of understanding the purposes of our lives. Both can be embraced by most, regardless of who they are and where or when they lived. They include both this life, and on into the beyond.

The first is this: The purpose of life is to discover that God loves you, love him back, pass it around, and go home.

1 John 4:7-8 teaches us that the number one defining quality of God is love. He loved us so much he was willing to die, and did in order to prove it. [John 3:16-17]

He is not a cruel bully or a mean judge. He is a loving father who wants the best for us. Some have allowed the ugliness of life to taint their perception of him, poisoning their need to know his true character. Others have swallowed the lies told by those who feel threatened by the concept of a higher power who is vastly smarter than humanity.

We love him back by following his example seen in Agape love: seeking someone else’s highest good. Jesus taught that the first and greatest commandment is to love God with all of your heart and soul and mind and strength. [Mark 12:29-30] We show our love for him by following his time-tested guidance for life.

We pass it around by loving [serving] others as much as we love [serve] ourselves [Mark 12:31]. Jesus said this was the second greatest commandment, also summed up in what’s been called the Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated [Matthew 7:12].

So, we appreciate God’s loving care, reflect it back to him, and then show that same kindness to those around us.

What’s left? Go home.

As he opens his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul describes his end of life dilemma. He admits he doesn’t know what he should do.

If he dies, he gets to be with Jesus. If he lives, he gets to keep on serving others. Since he is still capable of service in the name of God, he is willing to postpone Heaven in order to continue to pass the love around [Philippians 1:21-26].

For Christians, I think that’s a great way to approach our life of service. Do what you can as long as you can.

Then there comes a time for all of us when we can no longer be a blessing. For the Christian, it’s okay to go home to our forever family.

No matter who we are, we can be guided by that first purpose of life, discover that God loves you, love him back, pass it around, and go home.

In Part 2 I’ll share my thoughts on the other main purpose of life. It’s about how we’re only getting started.

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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.