Chapter 2: Calling and the Meaning of Life

Why do we live?

This question follows us throughout life. When we are young, we may first ask what we will do in the future. As we enter working life, we begin to think about how to succeed. At certain turning points, we ask again: What is all this effort for? Setbacks in our careers, changes in relationships, health problems, children growing up and leaving home, or even finally reaching a goal we have pursued for years can all lead us to reconsider the meaning of life.

We may not discuss this question every day, but our choices continually answer it. What we give our time to, what we pursue most earnestly, what we most fear losing, what makes us feel we have worth, and what makes us see ourselves as failures all reveal where we place the centre of our lives.

Some people find meaning in their careers, others in their families. Some pursue wealth and achievement; others value recognition, belonging, and freedom. Family, work, and relationships are indeed worth cherishing and require attentive care. Yet finite things cannot provide life’s ultimate foundation. Someone who loses a job still needs to know who they are. Someone who is no longer noticed still needs to know that their life has worth and to find hope for continuing to live.

Scripture directs us back to the source of life: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). God existed before people began searching for meaning, and He had already given them life before they began planning their lives. Understanding the meaning of life therefore requires knowing the God who created life, and understanding our identity and responsibility before Him.

Chapter 1 explains that, in Christ, God calls sinners to turn to Him. Those who receive His grace are given new life, called to follow Christ throughout their lives, and given hope of being with Him forever. This chapter asks further: How does this calling change our understanding of the world and of life, and the ways we assess value, use wealth, and face success and failure? How can we live each day in a way consistent with our belonging to Him?

This change involves our relationship with God and the renewal of our whole lives. Sin has estranged people from God, and they need Christ’s redemption. After receiving grace, we still need the Holy Spirit to keep renewing our thoughts and conduct. We come to understand the meaning of life anew in a relationship of reconciliation with God, and that meaning gradually unfolds as we follow Him.

This chapter explores six aspects: our worldview, our view of life, our values, our understanding of wealth, our understanding of success, and a life of freedom and abundance. These provide a framework to help us think. They are connected with one another and together direct us to God Himself.