A question most people ask at some point in their lives is this: What is the purpose of life?

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but our society seems to have an answer: ‘The purpose of life is to be healthy and happy.’ That’s certainly what the TV shows, talking heads, radio programs, advertisers, and writers of many curricula and books seem to think.

But that answer is seriously misguided.

Now don’t get me wrong. I want to be healthy and happy. I want that for you and for my family too. But the problem is that none of us are always healthy and happy. Those things come and go. And they come and go for the people you care about too.

So if you think that the point of life is to be healthy and happy you’re setting yourself up for a life of discontentment… because it never lasts.

So let’s consider this. What if the point of life is to glorify and serve God?

It shifts the focus from you to God. The result is deeper peace, improved perspective, more godly priorities, and a stronger sense of purpose.

In other words, a life focussed on WHO matters most is a life focussed on WHAT matters most.

So how would you answer the question about the purpose of life? Is it all about your own personal health and happiness? Or is it about glorifying and serving God?

Psalm 34:3 says, “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.” When we do that—not only on Sundays but every day—I truly believe that the result is deeper peace, improved perspective, more godly priorities, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it?

A life focussed on WHO matters most is a life focussed on WHAT matters most.

By Matthew Ruttan

• Today’s “Up!” is partly based on my Sunday podcast at Westminster called “What the floppy fish needs.” To listen click here. Enjoy!