Life’s Mission 

   Why did God make you?  God made me to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven.  (Baltimore Catechism) 

   For many years the Baltimore Catechism was used to help children better understand their faith.  As in the quote above, it was in question and answer format and was quite basic since it was developed for youngsters just beginning to learn more about their faith.  Even for adults, however, it is good to get back to the basics from time to time.

   There are many “missions” in life and different people take different paths throughout their lives.  But the essential mission is to come to know and love our God.  It was He who made us, He loves us, and He wants us to spend eternity with Him in the heavenly home He has prepared for us.

   It is good to strive to be successful in this life if that success is properly used.  Wealth can be a good thing, especially if it is used to help those in need.  Fame can provide a voice to praise God for the blessings one has received.  But when these things become the primary desires of our life they can be turned to evil rather than good. 

   The danger arises when we let our mission in this life over-ride our mission for eternal life.  We cannot allow the riches, fame, or whatever else drives our life in this world to push aside what is waiting for us in the next life.  When this life is over our only treasure will be the treasures we have stored up in heaven.

   “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matt 16: 26).