The Meaning and Purpose of Life
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." - Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
In his book, Man's Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl, a renowned neurologist and psychologist, shares profound insights from his harrowing experiences in Nazi concentration camps. Frankl, a wealthy man from Vienna, faced unimaginable suffering and dehumanization after living a life of luxury. But despite these horrific circumstances, he discovered this truth: "The experiences of camp life show that man does have a choice of action."
Frankl observed that even in the direst conditions, individuals retained the freedom to choose their attitudes. He recounts, "We in concentration camps can remember those who walked through the huts, comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they gave sufficient proof that everything could be taken from us, but that last human freedom: the freedom to choose one's own attitude in any given set of circumstances."
This brave testimony echoes the words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 1:21, who states, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." In this verse, he expresses the eternal perspective and the ultimate purpose of his life found in Christ. Our earthly struggles are framed within the larger context of our eternal relationship with our Creator.
In this life, one can choose the path of hope, life, and belief in a better and brighter tomorrow, as Frankl suggests. It's up to us to decide whether we will live out in faith and positivity or succumb to misery and despair.
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Consider how you can apply this lesson in your life. When faced with challenges, will you choose to complain and spread negativity, or will you choose to uplift others and hold on to the hope you have in Christ?
Choosing to follow Christ, we find the true meaning to this life and the promise of eternal gain when we get to see Him face to face.
P4 Discussion Question:
How can you choose hope and positivity despite your current circumstances?