1 Peter 1:18
“knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers,”
Peter describes life without Christ as futile. Solomon says something similar in Ecclesiastes, “all is vanity and striving after the wind”. Futility means pointless or useless.
Why is life futile? We sense this as we live. We work hard for things, then in time those things lose their value. We repeat this cycle enough and we realize that the value of those things is self imposed or that of society. True value should be inherent. If we have to place value, that seems somewhat shallow. Also, if our view of it fades, then it’s real value is in question. As we go through the cycle of pursuit/work hard/obtain/lose interest, enough times, we see the futility.
Rick Warren wrote Purpose Driven Life. This may be the all time best seller, after the bible. We want purpose and significance. We all sense the futility of life. Here comes someone speaking of purpose. That nailed it. Is there something higher? Rick gives several purposes in his book. All of them revolve around a relationship with Christ (worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and evangelism). Rick writes this in a very compelling and clear way.
Many people accept Christ because of the emptiness of life. They have ridden the hamster wheel and are sick of it. Almost like eating too much candy. We know it wasn’t good for us. We are stuffed and full of regret. We want something healthy. Jesus meets that need.
Romans 8:28 speaks of purpose, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” We could have made a mistake. God can rework things and work it out for the good. Some difficulty could happen to us without our meddling. God breathes purpose into that. This is so hopeful. Mundane and frustrating events are now meant to make us better. They may lead to opportunities. This gives us great hope in life. It also gives us love and appreciation for God.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He makes everything beautiful in it’s time”. Ephesians 2:10 gets more personal, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” What a wonderful thing to know that we are His project. He uses the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. They are the paints and the chisels. Knowing this gives great peace.
Lord thank You that You have rescued us from our futile life. Thank You that You give us purpose. Help us to see Your hand in things. Help us to see and be grateful.