The meaning of life is an ageless question everyone will ask at some point and time in their lives and how we answer it will have a profound affect on how we view ourselves, how we view others, and how we view our pursuit of life.

  The first and most predominant view is that our purpose is to try and stay alive. At some point in our life, we come to the realization that death is an inevitable outcome for us all and we commit to doing anything and everything we can to stay alive. Some go so far as to isolate themselves from living life, from people, places, and pursuits that could place them at risk thus missing out that all three could add to their life experience.

  Running a very close second is the purpose of being wealthy or famous. Howard Hughes was one of the wealthiest men of his time and when asked how much money is enough? He replied, “one dollar more!”  This life purpose is faulty because both wealthy and fame are fleeting and the price to achieve them can be very, very high. Both money and fame come with their own unique set of challenges, and if we’re being honest most of us will never achieve either.

  In our consumer-based society, we are constantly told we existed to buy and become whatever advertisers are selling, we are continually told we cannot be happy unless we have this item or look a certain way. The unfortunate truth here is that the target for meaning is continuously being moved thus costing us the afore mentioned money while only supplying us with frustration and disappointment.

  So as to not leave you feeling discouraged, I would like to offer you what I know to bring meaning, happiness, and fulfilment to my own life and to the lives of many of the people I know, it’s the truth that life is not about what we have but rather in what we give, “living is giving!” Everyone has something they can give, and I know there is a cause that would welcome you. Giving isn’t exclusively measured by a dollar amount, giving finically is great but often the cause needs more than your money, an even greater gift would be you…your time and your talents will bring even more to the cause and to both those it serves and the others who will be serving alongside you. An additional benefit to giving yourself to causes is that it will help you maintain a healthy perspective about your needs, struggles, and quality of life. Join me in seeking to “live to give” and we’ll make our world a better place, we’ll make our lives a better place, and we’ll leave a legacy that truly means something and will last far beyond our lives.

Rev. Jimmy Vaughn
Pastor of Authentic Life Fellowship; Public Education Committee