The quest for meaning

What is the meaning of life? As Christians, the answer seems easy and is often given too lightly, along the lines of: "living our lives in a relationship with God, and bringing glory to Him." This answer is good. But, perhaps, a bit too simple.

To fully understand this question, we must consider the other side of the coin. What would a non-believer answer to this? Most probably it would be something like: "living a good life, a continual progression of self-improvement that will reap good experiences and contentment." That sounds pretty good to me, I have to admit. But, it does not answer the question of the meaning of life, it merely states what is desireable to do in life. It does not address why we live.

I once heard this viewpoint described as 'an intoxication with life'. It is great to revel in the fact of being alive and the experiences we can enjoy, but to assume that that is all there is, perhaps is also too simple. It is like being intoxicated with the idea of life, achieving more without ever getting to the sober reality of why you are doing it. Is it merely to continue the cycle until death, so your children can do the same? If so, what will be the consequences and purpose of it - maybe a beautiful eulogy, or a legacy of good works? Certainly, but these things inevitably come to an end or are forgotten. As they say, nothing gold can stay.

Now it is time to delve into some philosophy. The question then becomes: "What meaning has my finite existence in an infinite universe?" The problem with trying to answer this by using the tools of reason and logic is that these tools are, by definition, themselves bound my the finite and tangible, rendering them useless in equating a finite purpose in an infinite universe. The question, therefore, must lie with the infinite, transcending into the intangible, requiring a seemingly irrational and illogical answer. This answer must be found in God.