Why Is It So Hard to Live A Meaningful Life? (And What We Can Do About It) - Part 4
This week we continue our look at the struggle to live a meaningful life, and what we can do instead to find meaning and purpose, and we have considered the work of Victor Frankl author of, "Man's Search for Meaning"
To date we have considered the things we think bring meaning, such as a job promotion, a better marriage, a larger house or more margin in our bank accounts. But have also argued that these fall short in what they promise to deliver.
Most of us will agree, because we know this from our own experience.
Frankl argues from his life experience too, in part, as a holocaust survivor that meaning comes from at least three things.
(1) Being part of a loving community
(2) Work that matters
Today I want to introduce the third idea that Frankl argues we need in order to live a meaningful life...
A Redemptive Perspective on Suffering
Those are some weighty words that we don't use everyday, and I can't possibly do them justice in one blog; but they are worth exploring.
Now, I would argue that most of us have not suffered in ways that Frankl has, but this only gives his perspective more weight; and we all suffer in some capacity.
The reality of suffering (loss of a job, infidelity of a spouse, a terminal diagnoses, a wayward child etc) is normal, and arguably universal in some fashion. But raises questions like...
Q. Why?
Q. Why now?
Q. How do I endure this pain?
From a Christian faith perspective, we see that suffering is to be expected; assumed you might say.
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
For me this perspective begins with the gospel itself. Jesus suffered death on a cross and separation from the Father to pay the penalty of our sin. Those who follow Jesus are "redeemed" or brought back into relationship with God. We are loosened from the bondage of sin and restored in our relationship to God.
It is when we respond to this expression of love with repentance, surrender and obedience that we begin to have a proper perspective of our own suffering.
A common challenge to a sense of meaning in life is circumstances that make us feel that God has neglected us, forgotten us, or is even out to get us. Have you ever felt like that?
But, the Bible teaches that, not only is suffering not a sign of God’s rejection… but the opposite, it can be the way we experience His blessings. Trials are the means for becoming more like Christ, and the more like Christ we become, the more we can experience His love, joy and peace. I know; suffering leads to joy and peace...it sounds almost silly or impossible.
From my years of ministry, I have heard countless stories, many filled with pain. But also the way they experienced God in ways they would not have otherwise. To believe that God is in control, has a plan and is close, is to find meaning in suffering.
As Frankl argued, we have a choice in how we respond to the pain & suffering in our lives. Like Moses, years after he was sold by his brothers, but eventually reunited with them, said. "What you meant for evil, God intended for good, to accomplish what is now being done to save many lives" (Genesis 50:20)
Ultimately, having a redemptive perspective on suffering is to have an eternal perspective. Again, this can really only come from seeing this world, from God's eternal perspective.
There is no evidence that Frankl ever became a Christian, but I do think that through his keen observations, and intense personal experience, he has identified three things that lead to a meaningful life.
Love, Work and a Redemptive Perspective on Suffering
"While these central ideas of Frankl’s may give anyone a more meaningful life here on this earth, God does not intend for that to be all there is. I understand that I am writing to mostly Christians in this blog, but it’s important for everyone to know that these principles will only take you so far… they will not take you to a relationship with God, which is where ultimate meaning is found. God has created us for Himself, and we will only find our ultimate meaning in Him." Max Anders
As we conclude this mini-series on meaning, take to heart the biblical truths of (1) meaningful work, (2) the value of community, and (3) a redemptive perspective on suffering, and engage the life that God intends for you here on earth. But it is only for those who have entered into a relationship with Him through Christ that we can truly find meaning and our hardships are not wasted; because the blessings of God won’t end when life on this earth ends.
What about you? Are you part of a loving community? Do you enjoy meaningful work? Do you have a redemptive perspective on suffering?
I hope these past few blogs have opened you up to the possibilities of a meaningful life.
Until next time - Dan