What am I living for?
Share
There was a popular song in the 1960s by popular American singer, Percy Sledge, entitled, What am I living for?
The song was a huge hit for several reasons: during that time Mr. Sledge kept putting out hits after hits, When a man loves a woman, Take time to know her, etc.; the song had appeal, and many people could relate to the lyrics. They told a story of a man’s love for a woman, as is typical of many romantic songs. Percy sledge sang back then:
What am I living for
If not for you
What am I living for
If not for you
What am I living for
If not for you
Oh, nobody else
Nobody else will do
People live their lives for many reasons. There are those who live with hope that the world will become a better place one day, while others continue to live a life of hopelessness and despair and turn to other methods of getting rid of their trials, be it the failure of a romantic relationship; marriage breakdown, financial ruin, family issues, unemployment, or the inability to fulfill simple goals of living reasonably well.
What am I living for? came at a time when suicide rates weren’t as high as they were today, notably because of the rise in population, the stresses brought about by a more modern society, and a host of other factors. India and China, the two largest countries in terms of population, account for most suicides today, and understandably so due to the number of people living in dejection. The World Health Organization says, “From 2011 to 2022, over half a million lives (539,810) were lost to suicide, with 2022 showing the highest number of deaths on record.” This means this question is still relevant in general terms.
What am I living for? This question is always relevant regardless of the age we live in–modern or ancient. It goes beyond the love of a man and a woman. It has a general application, especially in our day and age. And it will always be relevant in general terms until the constitution of humanity changes and this civilization is no more. It will only be then this question will be answered. The reality of our modern world is thousands of people are killing themselves because they see no hope in this life. They don’t know what they are living for. Life is without a purpose. Hopelessness prevails.
What a paradox? There’s advice from One who’s responsible for creating human life. Who better to get that advice from than the One who created veins, capillaries, and arteries, measuring 60,000 miles in a child and 100,000 miles in an adult, not to mention the other intricate details, that allow the human body to be so beautifully designed and functionable.
What is life’s purpose then? Before, one can attempt to answer the question, one should be able to understand our purpose in life. The age-old questions come to mind, Why are we here and What’s the purpose of life?
Life is temporary. It’s evident by death since the creation of humanity. But is there something beyond this life that we should seek after? When life offers no purpose or meaningful ideal, who or where do we turn to for the answers? Science doesn’t have the answers neither do governments or institutions. The answers must lie in the realm of the spiritual world–the Divine and more specifically the Omniscient God who tells us, “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.” Isa 45.18.
Our Designer, Creator God, and Saviour, tell us that this life is not it. In other words, life doesn’t end here when a person dies. If you choose to take your own life, it doesn’t solve your problem. You still have a problem! Furthermore, until one cannot accept the Almighty God for who He is, and what He stands for, life will have no meaning and will offer no purpose to you, yet there’s a clear purpose says your Creator. Those who follow the prescription for life i.e. we need a Saviour in the person of Jesus, the Christ, (the Messiah and Anointed One), so one must repent, be baptized and accept Him as LORD and Saviour and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, then this life is not the end. 1 Cor. 15: 19 says, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.” There’s a purpose beyond this life for those who seek the Anointed One. 1 John 2: 17, reminds us, “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”
Here’s another piece of advice for those who keep asking, What Am I living for? Matt. 11: 28, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Here’s more vital information for the weary and those without hope, “But those who hope in the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint,” Isa 40:18.
The Percy Sledge song has a Christian version to it. How appropriate to end this article.
What am I living for
If not for you
What am I living for
If not for you
What am I living for
If not for you
Jesus and nobody else
Nobody else will do
For more on this subject, download FREE our booklet, THE SECOND COMING…and beyond.