So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. – Ecclesiastes 2:9-10 NLT
But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. – Ecclesiastes 2:9-11 NLT
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. – Ecclesiastes 12:13 ESV
What is the chief end of man?
Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion… – Genesis 1:26a ESV
When we think of our purpose, we often think of what we do.
When God thinks of our purpose, he starts with who we are.
“The “image” is like an angled mirror, reflecting God’s wise and caring love into the world, bringing order and fruitfulness to the garden where the humans were placed.” ~ N.T. Wright
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. – Genesis 1:27 ESV
“The ultimate goal of creation [is] for humanity to dwell with God.” ~ L. Michael Morales
This is sin at its essence: seizing control apart from God and disobeying his boundaries.
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. – Genesis 3:6 ESV
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. – Galatians 4:4-7 ESV
Your search for you actually starts with your search for God.
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. – John 17:3 ESV
“You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in You.” ~ St. Augustine