Meaning in Life

Meaning in Life
The writer of Ecclesiastes looks at life and states
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun”
Ecclesiastes 1:9
“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.”
                Ecclesiastes 1:14
If you think about it, it’s a pretty depressing look at life.
Sometimes I think our young people here in the west and particularly here in North America look at life like that. Especially those who go to join the terrorist groups.
Those who go to join terrorist groups it seems are not satisfied with the consumer society we have in the west. They seem to see no meaning in life here.
I’d go as far as saying those who are experimenting or using drugs full time are doing so because life for them lacks meaning.
My brother an atheist said once, “life is short and he who has all the toys in the end wins.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Because when life ends all the trinkets bobbles and beads, all the riches you’ve amassed in your life goes to someone else. You came into this world with nothing and you leave with nothing. Only what you’ve done for God will last.
Increasingly our society in the west is turning away from God. Our society in the west doesn’t seem to have any great noble causes to stand up for.
My fathers generation stood up to the oppression of Nazism. They stood for and died for a noble cause. The rights and freedom of mankind.
Since world war two however we living in North America and Europe have lived in peace a peace that perhaps is not all it’s cracked up to be.
While we enjoy un precedented freedom, our society has embraced consumerism with both hands and to a degree there is nothing wrong with that. There’s nothing wrong with having a nice house, car, and other things. The thing is, that things, have become god’s.
Do we really need another $500.00 smart phone every time the latest becomes available? Do we need a $200 pair or running shoes? Is there any need for the latest car with all the bells and whistles?
I think a lot of the reason many turn away from western society and to groups like Islamic State is because they are disillusioned with what western society has to offer. Materialism is a cold god.
To my mind western society as good as it is, fails because it has turned to “things” to make people happy, something that has never worked.
Christianity here in North America in particular is also failing the younger generation.
As I listen to many evangelist in the media they it seems are spouting doom and gloom or the so called “do’s and don’t’s” doctrine of Christianity. A very unappealing and frankly incorrect version of Christ’s teachings.
Christianity to my mind is not doom and gloom and it definitely is not “do’s and don’ts”.
Christianity correctly practiced is a faith of action a faith that shows love and understanding to the people around us even our enemies.
The apostle Paul wrote,
 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  
On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink....”
   Romans 12:18-20a
Jesus said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” 
  Matthew 5:43-46.
This is something terrorist groups are not doing.
James the brother of Christ urges Christians to do good works,
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?  
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.”  
                                 James 2:14-18.
Christians around the world today are doing those good works. They are standing up for the oppressed, feeding the hungry and helping the sick. Sadly it is not something seen in the media all that often. Helping the sick, the poor and the disadvantaged of society doesn’t make headlines like a suicide bomber.
To those who might be reading this blog who are looking for meaning and a cause to follow I would urge them to look to Christianity. To ignore the doom and gloom evangelist. To ignore the evangelist that portray Christianity as do’s and don’t’s and look at the core values of the Christian faith. Love for God, your neighbour, even your enemy.
There are many Christian organizations out there that are helping the poor, the sick, the oppressed, and they are doing it without resorting to a force and the gun.
I know for a fact this is true. My son and some of his friends take time every year from their jobs to work around the world building orphanages, schools and doing other essential things.
Additionally there are many Christian youth and adults that give there entire life to working to better the lives of others in all parts of the world. They do so quietly and without fanfare.
It is very rewarding and has eternal consequences.
Please think about it.