August 5 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

What is the purpose of life? Many seem to wander aimlessly without any direction or purpose. Their life is running on empty. Others have a goal in life but in the end it proves to be meaningless because the goal was the wrong one. Some abandon what they believed was the purpose of life because they have become disillusioned.

Ephesians 1 introduces us to the purpose of life. We have been created for God’s purpose and not our own. The church has been established to fulfill God’s purpose and to live to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians is written by Paul when imprisoned in Rome. Apart from a couple of very general references to his imprisonment, no one would guess this to be a letter penned by a man in chains. Paul’s body is in a dungeon, but his heart, mind and spirit are on Christ and His church. He has not lost sight of the purpose of life. As we call to mind the circumstances of the apostle and then consider the upbeat tone of this letter, we are rebuked to change our negative thinking.

Paul begins his letter to the Ephesians with an expression of praise to God for the spiritual blessings that are received in Christ (1:3). A key phrase throughout this section is “in Him”. All spiritual blessings come through Jesus Christ and are enjoyed by those who are in Him.

In the original text the verses 3–14 are one long sentence with one main thought: we are to praise God for His electing love in Jesus Christ. The church is the manifestation of God’s work of election and redemption. Following these verses, the apostle expresses the desire that the eyes of God’s people be enlightened through the Holy Spirit so that they may continue to marvel at God’s saving ways. The purpose of our life is tied to God’s plan revealed to the church and for the church.

Ephesians 1 is a powerful chapter describing the purpose of life. If you are struggling with the meaning of life and why you are here, take the time to reflect on Ephesians 1. We are here to live to the praise of His glory. There couldn’t be a better reason for living.