What Is the Meaning of Life?

There is probably no other existential and philosophical question asked more than “what is the meaning of life?” Every person has the desire to know his or her purpose for existence. The answer that one might come to will depend on their worldview and whether they approach the question with a vertical or horizontal perspective.

If you believe that God or gods exists, then you may find your answer is based on a vertical view of life. Meaning is then derived from whatever supernatural being(s) created or oversees human existence.

If you believe there is no such thing as the supernatural, then meaning is found horizontally by what is discovered and understood in the world around us.

Vertical Perspective of Meaning

Religions usually take the vertical perspective to define meaning. Meaning is taught in the oral traditions passed down or from holy scriptures. Each will tell the purpose of human existence and what to do with this meaning. For example, in Hinduism, meaning is four-fold. It is found by living out Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Dharma is virtuous and righteous living while paying back debts to the gods and others. Artha is pursuing wealth and prosperity. Kama is obtaining enjoyment in life, and Moksha is seeking enlightenment.

Horizontal Perspective of Meaning

Scientism believes that reality can be reduced to its natural terms and explained through scientific means. It requires no supernatural being to provide transcendent meaning because life is nothing more than atoms and chemical reactions. You cannot strive for anything beyond what your chemicals tell you to do. Your aim is to simply propagate and survive. If that view is lived out fully, it does not matter what you do on this earth. Meaning is not even important. You will become nothing more than fertilizer when you die.

Intangibility of Meaning

It seems obvious that reality consists of something beyond the physical. You cannot do a blood test or take an X-ray to find something like love or even a conscience. They are intangible. You can describe what they are as they relate to the physical realm, but they transcend the natural. They cannot be tested scientifically. That is why philosophy exists to explain the intangible.

Some may say that the meaning of life is “to pursue human flourishing through communication, understanding, and service”. Others believe that meaning is “that which we choose to give it”. This leaves meaning to be subjective and able to change.

Biblical View of Meaning

Wisdom literature in the Bible suggests that there is a creator who made everything with a specific purpose and order. God has placed that awareness within everyone’s heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11–22). What is the purpose of eating and drinking and finding the good in laboring if we all die and turn to dust just like animals? Wisdom says that all this is a gift from God. However, if done apart from Him, it has no intrinsic value. The eternal significance of God’s work provides meaning, and anything done apart from Him is empty and meaningless.

With this perspective, the meaning of life is found in knowing God and fulfilled by loving God and loving others (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14; Matthew 12:30–31; John 17:3; Colossians 3:17).

We can all choose where we want to find meaning. It can be horizontally through a career or relationship, or vertically with God. If you believe that there is an intangible aspect to being, such as an eternal soul; then look to a creator God to find meaning. If you are nothing more than physical matter and chemical reactions; then try your best to enjoy life now before becoming fertilizer. Those are the two options.

If you look to God for meaning and want know Him personally, then check out The Ultimate Guide to Salvation in Jesus Christ. Don’t spend another day wondering what life is all about. Seek truth and you will find it today.