A Life not in Vain

One of my conversations in the gospel today has stayed with me for hours causing my mind not only to analyse life in the present moment, but to reflect on my life in the past. 

As I have previously expounded on in my blog, I have depression. The depression package comes with many thoughts, feelings, and emotions not excluding the frequently pondered question. 

The desire to live is a battle many people with depression struggle with, sometimes on a daily basis. Often times I questioned my purpose in living as well. I can recall three specific times when the question haunted me, almost resulting in death: the first in eighth grade when it all began, the second in late high school after I got diagnosed, and the third, more recently, in my freshman year of college when the depression had intensified. 

Previously I had dismissed this question, as a young girl having little experience to base my reasoning on. But during the first month of college this question plagued my mind: why live? Being Christian I had full confidence that if I decided to end my life I would be with Jesus anyways. I adorned this idea into being the most preferred option. Being with Christ in eternity is more appealing than suffering here on earth. 

But by the mercy and grace of God, I am alive to share my testimony. 

"I don't believe anything happens after death. We're just here to live, then we die."
"Then our lives are in vain."
"I try to live my life the best I can and I think our purpose here is just to make other's lives better and then they make other people's lives better and it continues on."

I don't undermine that at all- striving to make people's lives just a little bit better. But do you see my logic here? Only to better people's lives humanly is a petty purpose. No, our purpose here on earth is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It started with the cross, witnesses shared the hope in Christ, and hope gets spread so it can continue to spread and this hope results in eternal life with Christ- purpose so our lives are not in vain. That is the only purpose in life. The reason why too many people end their lives early is because this hope wasn't shared with them, they see no purpose in life. I can say with absolute confidence, having full experience, that aside from Christ there is absolutely no purpose to life. You can give your life to your career, family, or friends but that is secondary and is temporary. What will not pass away in eternity is salvation of souls and this is our purpose. Once we declare this as our purpose, everything else then falls in line- our careers, families, friends, etc.

Our lives are vanity if not lived in the hope of Christ.