A little over 50 years ago, a man named Hugh Morehead began a hobby of writing to famous philosophers and scientists and authors and asking them, "What is the purpose of life?" The responses he got back were quite depressing.

Isaac Asimov wrote back, "As far as I can see there is no purpose to life."

Karl Jung, the Austrian psychiatrist, wrote, "I do not know what the meaning or the purpose of life is, but it looks like as if there were something meant by it."

Arthur Clark, the author of 2001, wrote, "I am afraid I have no concrete ideas of the purpose of life."

Albert Ellis, the psychiatrist who invented RET therapy said, "As far as I can tell, life has no special or intrinsic meaning or purpose."

Gerald Frank, "In the cosmic scheme, I see neither meaning nor purpose."

Edward Gorny, "I doubt if there is one."

William Gasp, "There is no meaning to life."

Thomas Nagle, "I am afraid the meaning of life still eludes me."

With a sense of resignation Joseph Heller wrote, "I have no answers to the meaning of life, and I no longer want to search for any."

Have you ever asked yourself what your purpose is? As we can see, life without Christ is meaningless and empty. Thankfully, we know that God has designed each of us with meaning, and with a purpose. He gave each of us unique talents to use in our service to Him. His Word is our manual, and whenever we are not sure what He wants us to do, He has promised to answer us when we call on Him (Jeremiah 33:3). I invite you to take a moment to think of the talents God has given you. Perhaps you have special skills, or are great at listening… how can these things be used to serve God? Remember, we serve God by serving others and, in doing this, we are fulfilling His purpose for our lives.

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, the enemy may try to be the voice of confusion and make me believe that I am not good enough to serve you, or that life is meaningless, but I know who I am. I am your beloved child, saved by grace, who you created with unique gifts and a purpose. Give me clarity on how I can best use those gifts for you. Give me new opportunities to serve others each day. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In the name of Jesus, amen.

1. Ephesians 2:10.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.