The purpose of life, as revealed by God, stands in stark contrast to the futile pursuits of those cut off from Him. Many in the world seek answers to life's profound questions—such as who they are, why they exist, and what their purpose is—through science, philosophy, politics, or other inadequate substitutes for true religion. Without God's calling, they live in frustration, dying unfulfilled and without hope, as they lack the certainty and direction that only He provides. God has purposely hidden these answers from most of humanity for the present time, revealing them only to a chosen few whom He calls to Christ, ensuring that the vast majority will be saved at the proper time according to His plan. For those without God, life often becomes a pursuit of material gain, power, prestige, or a fleeting place in history, driven by selfish ambition with little regard for others. Most people, however, lead lives of quiet desperation, toiling under the curse of sin as described in Genesis, facing a cycle of labor and frustration that ends in death with no greater purpose. Yet, when God intervenes and unveils His truth, life takes on profound significance. It is no longer a mere existence leading to death, but a journey with a stupendous goal far beyond human imagination. God's purpose for those He calls is to live a life of service, which flips the normal human assumption of seeking personal freedom or dominance. This service, modeled by Christ Himself, who came not to be served but to serve, is the essence of a godly life. As Jesus taught, true greatness lies in serving others, even to the point of sacrificial love, as He demonstrated by giving His life as a ransom for many. Human beings, like the angels, were created to serve, and this calling, when lived according to God's way, leads to a fulfilling and magnificent life. During the time of sanctification, from calling to resurrection, believers are to grow in grace and knowledge, bearing fruit as branches connected to Christ, the true vine. This fruit-bearing—evident in love, faith, patience, and good works—glorifies God and proves one's discipleship. Service to God encompasses fearing Him, walking in His ways, loving Him, and obeying His commandments, as well as serving and loving one another. This purpose is not merely a set of actions but a complete transformation, presenting one's body as a living sacrifice, wholly acceptable to God, as a reasonable response to His mercy and redemption through Christ's blood. Ultimately, those who live a life of godly service, learning to lead as Christ leads through humble service, will receive a great reward in the Kingdom of God. This path, walked by Christ Himself, leads through service to glory, exaltation, and authority, fulfilling the divine purpose for which humanity was created.

The purpose of life, as God has designed it, is not to pursue personal fulfillment or the desires of the flesh, but to live a distinctly different life dedicated to Him. This life involves a profound cost, requiring us to die to the world and to self, as Christ calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This ongoing process of self-denial and sacrifice, beginning at baptism and continuing until our last breath, demands that we evaluate whether we truly desire this life of separation from worldly attachments and self-sovereignty. God's intent is to shape us into vessels of honor, as a potter molds clay, applying pressure and heat to perfect us, even when we do not understand the reasons for our trials. We must yield to His hands, trusting that His work in us will produce something far greater than what we could achieve on our own. This life also means delighting in the Lord, allowing His presence to transform our desires so that we seek first His Kingdom and righteousness. As sheep under the care of the Good Shepherd, we are led to green pastures and still waters, finding true restoration and peace that the world cannot offer. Yet, this requires us to actively seek Him and surrender fully, resisting the distractions and counterfeit comforts of the world. Ultimately, the life God desires for us is one lived by faith in the Son of God, crucified with Christ, where we no longer live for ourselves but for Him who loved us and gave Himself for us. The question remains: do we truly want this life, and are we willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary for God to be pleased to give it to us?

Claire Wineland's life serves as a powerful reminder to live with purpose, embracing every moment despite inevitable challenges. At just thirteen, she founded Claire's Place Foundation to support families affected by cystic fibrosis, a terminal illness she herself battled, demonstrating a resolve to make a difference even in limited time. She expressed that death is inevitable, but living a life to be proud of is within our control, emphasizing the importance of finding joy and meaning in the present. Wineland believed everyone faces pain, yet hers, though physical, was balanced by the immense love and support she received, which gave her strength and stability. Her mission was to show that life, even when short, is a blessing to be used for others. She wanted her audience to realize they have power over their happiness and the direction of their lives, urging them to find beauty in pain, sadness, and loneliness as part of the human experience. Wineland challenged the societal pursuit of external happiness, advocating instead for contentment with what one has, stating that being alive is enough to beat the system and live proudly. Her message also highlighted the value of gratitude and purpose. She encouraged looking at all aspects of life—pain, loneliness, beauty, friendships, family, sickness, and health—and seeing them as wonderful gifts to be used meaningfully. Wineland's own sense of purpose, rooted in what she could give and the difference she could make, defied the limiting belief of being just one person unable to effect change. Her life, though brief, exemplifies that purpose and gratitude can transform even the most difficult circumstances into a source of impact and inspiration.

Ecclesiastes presents a unique perspective on the purpose of life, emphasizing that living without God results in a meaningless existence. Solomon, gifted with divine wisdom, confronts the ultimate mystery of life, revealing that true purpose is found only by deliberately choosing God's way in every matter. Without this choice, life becomes a futile pursuit of vanity, filled with activity but lacking profit, as Solomon describes it as living entirely "under the sun." The book illustrates life as a labyrinth of choices, where every decision matters to some degree, impacting whether one experiences growth or frustration. Solomon's experiences remind us that our calling is too precious to waste on meaningless pursuits. He asserts that despite the diversity of choices available, only two ways of life exist: God's way and man's way. Choosing God's path is essential for a life filled with profitable purpose. Solomon further explores the vanity of life, portraying it as insubstantial and fleeting, like a vapor or smoke that cannot be grasped. He questions the value of such a transient existence, yet suggests that vanity plays a vital role in God's purpose, urging a shift in perspective from earthly to spiritual realities. Without this higher reality, life remains monotonous and profitless, trapped in repetitive cycles with no true advancement. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes teaches that while life may appear meaningless and wearisome, it is not meant to be so for those called by God. Solomon counsels against running from life's difficulties, encouraging us to meet and overcome them. Though human wisdom and experience cannot solve every problem, a relationship with God provides the missing element needed to find direction and fulfillment in life.

God calls each of us to choose life over death, as declared in Deuteronomy 30:19-20, where He sets before us life and death, blessing and cursing, urging us to choose life so that we and our descendants may live, loving the Lord our God, obeying His voice, and clinging to Him, for He is our life and the length of our days. This choice is not merely a momentary decision but a continual responsibility to govern ourselves by faith, without Him forcing the issue, allowing us to demonstrate our love for Him through voluntary submission. The purpose of life, as revealed through this relationship with God, is to prepare for an even closer bond, metaphorically described as a marriage, where Christ will unite only with those who truly love Him, expressed through our submission to His way. Ecclesiastes further illustrates the purpose of life by contrasting the meaninglessness of a life apart from God with the profound significance of one lived in relationship with Him. Solomon shows that choosing the curses leads to a vain existence, akin to the fleeting scum of a burst soap bubble, while a life under the sun, viewed from a carnal perspective without God, appears repetitive and unfulfilling. Yet, God subjects the physical creation to vanity for our benefit, to disillusion us with the world's offerings, making our choice clear between the emptiness of worldly pursuits and the value of His grace and goodness. This frustration is designed to motivate us to zealously commit to His purpose, seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Solomon's rhetorical question of profit in life challenges us to consider what is gained from life's struggles if viewed only under the sun, where cycles repeat without satisfaction. However, by shifting our perspective above the sun to include God and His purpose, life gains meaning, as everything matters in spite of vanity. This vanity, when rightly understood, can motivate cooperation with God's plan, prompting us to reject the world's draw and focus on the new creation He is forming us into. Ultimately, the purpose of life is to choose God's way, to overcome the vanity of this world by focusing on what lies ahead, a future where all things are made new, as promised by Him who sits on the throne, ensuring that our life is not in vain but directed toward eternal significance.

Ecclesiastes, as assigned by the Jews for the Feast of Tabernacles, carries a profound message about the purpose of life, despite not mentioning harvests or booths directly. This book, written for the sons of God, urges a serious consideration of life's choices if one aims to be in God's Kingdom. It presents a stark dichotomy: life must be lived either God's way or the world's way, by faith or by sight. Choosing the world's way renders life meaningless, both in its present quality and in the final judgment by God at death. Ecclesiastes serves as a lecture from God through Solomon's experiences, teaching how to succeed in life at its most fundamental level. Though none can live as grandly as Solomon, the principles from his life apply universally, offering clear, blunt guidance on making choices that lead to a meaningful existence. The book questions the meaning of life, asking if satisfaction or fulfillment is possible in this frustrating world, and whether life is worth living, seeking the best orientation for it. The purpose of life, as Ecclesiastes suggests, hinges on recognizing the precious gift of life and God's calling. Everything matters because of these divine gifts, urging one to take life seriously and make the most of what has been graciously given. Solomon's meditations reveal life's difficulties honestly, emphasizing the need to choose God's offerings over the world's fleeting promises, which often end in frustration despite wealth, pleasure, or wisdom. Solomon's perspective, often from "under the sun," views life as vanity, futility, and despair without hope of fulfillment, akin to a burst soap bubble. Yet, he acknowledges that God purposely designed this challenging environment for man to confront and overcome, preparing His children for His Kingdom. Life is not meant to be easy; it requires faith to navigate its difficulties and trust in God's assistance to build the right character. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes teaches that only by considering what is "over the sun"—the spiritual realm—alongside what is "under the sun," can life's true purpose be seen. This dual perspective enables right choices, distinguishing the converted from the unconverted, who see life as purposeless cycles. Solomon's counsel is to focus on personal responsibilities to God, not on changing the world's inherent crookedness, which cannot be straightened until Christ's return. Life's purpose lies in choosing to live by faith, submitting to God, and trusting Him to guide through life's burdensome tasks.