Douglas Murray is a journalist. In his book, “The Strange Death of Europe,” he says that as he travelled around the world he noticed young people asking a question: “Is this all there is?” 

They seemed to instinctively know that they are not ‘mere animals.’ But neither are they ‘mere consumers.’ There has to be something more. But what?*

In the Bible we learn some very important information: that we are here on purpose! 

Consider just a few verses:

In Psalm 139:13, David prays these words to God: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Then in Ephesians 1:4 we learn that God chose us “before the foundation of the world…”

When kids pick teams on the playground, they chose players one by one. There are two captains. Each one picks a player to be on their team from the larger group. Back and forth it goes. If you get picked first, you feel great. If you get picked last, you feel like trash.

With that in mind, think of it like this. The eternal God picked…

You.

He thought of you before the foundation of the world. ‘You know what? In this period of history we’re going to need _____________.’ 

And here you are.

This news is very hopeful and helpful. You are more than an animal. You are not a mere consumer. You are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). In Christ, you are an heir of God’s promises. You are loved. You are a member of God’s household. You are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. You carry forward the goodness of God to a world that is hurting. You were born to bless. You are victorious over the powers of death and darkness.

So don’t let anyone tell you that life is a mistake or that you don’t have a purpose. They are wrong. 

Today, know that you are here on purpose. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

The eternal God chose you.

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Notes and extra content:

—NEW PODCAST: “How spiritual disciplines help you love others—a talk with Jeff Loach.” In this interview, Jeff provides background on key spiritual disciplines, how they shape you, and how they help you love others.
       Jeff is an adjunct professor of spiritual formation at Tyndale Seminary, a pastor, the former central Ontario District Director for the Canadian Bible Society, and an oblate of the Order of St. Benedict.
       You can access it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan,’ or click here to listen or watch on YouTube.

–“Why was I born?” Sermon. October 20, 2024. Click here.

–*These observations are found in his book, “The Strange Death of Europe,” as quoted in: Sharon James, A Student’s Guide to Worldview (Christian Focus, 2022), 9-10.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.