There are what I will call in this blog, The Three Ultimate Questions. They are common to everyone and everything. Although we may ask them a little differently, we still seek to find their answers. So here we go, they are…
- Who am I?
- This question is about our identity
- Where do I fit?
- This question is about our belonging
- What difference do I make?
- This question is about our purpose
Regardless of age, these questions are common to everyone and to life. Many people go all their lives feeling the tension of resolving these three ultimate life questions. I believe the Gospel, the Good News of scripture, offers the most profound answers to these questions. The answers are also found in our relationship with God.
We are not the first or last to ask the question, who am I? In Psalms 8:4-5 David asked, “what is man and the son of man that you look upon in order to come to his aid?” The truth is God answers the identity question in His Word. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 God says, “if any man is in Christ, he becomes a new creation.” These words, “in Christ” describe both relationship and identity. It tells us who we are, what we have, and what we can do. This lets us know God designed for our identity to be revealed to us one way, through our relationship with Him. It is only through receiving Christ can we see our identity or who God made us to be.
Next, our search for identity is closely linked with one’s quest for belonging. Only God truly shows us how we belong. People wonder, “where do I fit in the community, and where are the quality and quantity of life-giving relationships I deserve at?” Well I know we all want to belong, right? So, upon receiving Christ God placed us in the Body of Christ, and we have a place we fit together with others, read 1 Corinthians 12:12-18. Then His design was that we each receive from and give to one another in life-giving relationships. These are found only in a strong local church.
Then from that place, we answer the question, what difference do I make? This question is about purpose and one’s commitment and the ability to engage in meaningful activity that will impact others. This question is best answered by God’s mission. Most people’s search for purpose is fueled by their deep desire to make a difference and the good news is God tells us how. Both Matthews and Marks gospel gives us the great commission to go into all the world and preach the good news so people can be saved. This is the job of every believer. Both our answer about purpose and our desire to make a difference is found in being involved in God’s mission to the world.
Remember the answers to these three ultimate questions are only found in our relationship with God. For a further study and more detailed answers to these questions, you can check out the message, “The Three Ultimate Questions” from November 11, 2018.
As a seasoned enthusiast in theology and spiritual discourse, I find the exploration of fundamental life questions to be a profound journey, and the article you presented delves into what I would term the existential trifecta—the three ultimate questions that resonate universally. The questions of identity, belonging, and purpose are indeed pillars upon which individuals construct their understanding of life.
In addressing the question of "Who am I?" the article aptly draws from the biblical narrative. The reference to Psalms 8:4-5 demonstrates a nuanced comprehension of the theological context, showcasing the author's familiarity with scripture. Moreover, the invocation of 2 Corinthians 5:17 reflects a deep understanding of the transformative power attributed to being "in Christ," emphasizing the intertwining of identity and relationship with the divine.
Moving on to the question of "Where do I fit?" the article navigates skillfully through the concept of belonging. By referencing 1 Corinthians 12:12-18, the author strategically links the notion of fitting into a community with the divine placement in the Body of Christ. This not only reveals a theological acumen but also provides a practical application of the spiritual narrative in addressing the human quest for belonging and meaningful relationships.
The final question, "What difference do I make?" is seamlessly tied to the overarching theme of purpose. The article aligns with the Christian mission, drawing from the Gospels of Matthew and Mark to underscore the believer's responsibility in the great commission. This demonstrates a keen awareness of the practical implications of faith, wherein purpose is intricately woven into the fabric of engaging in meaningful activities that impact others.
The conclusive reminder that the answers to these three ultimate questions are exclusively found in a relationship with God showcases a consistent theological perspective throughout the article. This stance is substantiated by the inclusion of specific biblical references, reinforcing the argument that the Gospel holds profound answers to life's existential inquiries.
For those seeking a more in-depth exploration of these concepts, the suggested message, "The Three Ultimate Questions" from November 11, 2018, is presented as a valuable resource for further study. This recommendation implies a commitment to providing not just an overview but also a comprehensive understanding of the theological underpinnings of identity, belonging, and purpose.
In essence, the article stands as a testament to the author's mastery of the subject matter, seamlessly integrating biblical wisdom with practical insights to offer a holistic perspective on life's ultimate questions.
