All of us at one time or another have asked, “What is the meaning of life?” Even Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man who has ever lived asked this question. He tried women, wine, gold and silver. He built houses, vineyards, and gardens. He owned flocks and herds, and he had great power and authority. You name it, he had it. And if he didn’t have something, he would go and get it. All of his searching, all of his activities and achievements, left him empty and with more questions than answers. He had wisdom and knowledge, but without God, everything is empty, meaningless and leaves us wanting more. So, what really is the meaning of life?

You may wonder, “Doesn’t God want us to enjoy life? After all, He is the Author of Life.” Of course He does. However, my friend, without a relationship with God, life has no real meaning or value- it has no lasting satisfaction or fulfillment. Solomon came to the conclusion that whatever we do, we need to do it with God and for God. Living a selfish life leads to emptiness and loneliness. However, living life with and for God leads to true and lasting fulfillment.

All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (AMPC)

Whatever we do, we are to do it all for the honor and glory of the Lord. Do it with all your heart, and always make room in your plans for God and His will. It is only the Lord God Who makes life worth living. All that we find to do that is good and constructive is from the hand of God. It is a gift for mankind to enjoy his work and all he does. True happiness comes from living for God rather than for self. Partnership with God brings happiness and satisfaction.

As Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, after all has been said and done, the end of the matter is to fear God- to revere and respect Him- and to obey His Word. Don’t live your entire life and miss the point. The meaning of life is to know God, love God, and live for God. The meaning of life, both here and in eternity, is found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I John 5:12 (NIV)