The Relationship Between Purpose & The Future
The Bible describes the relationship between humans and God as creator and creation, parent and child, and master and servant.
God created humans in his image, who are called to live in a relationship with him.
This relationship is based on love, obedience, and trust.
Humans are called to glorify God in all that they do, and they find their purpose in serving him.
This understanding of the human-God relationship shapes the understanding of human purpose in several ways:
Human worth is found in God. Humans are valuable because they are created by God and loved by him. This worth depends not on accomplishments or possessions but on God's love.
Human purpose is found in glorifying God. The Bible teaches that humans were created to glorify God. This can be done through worship, obedience, and service.
Human fulfillment is found in God. True happiness and satisfaction come from knowing and loving God. A life apart from God is ultimately meaningless.
There are four elements of living out our God-ordained purpose:
Spiritual rebirth is essential. To truly understand and live out God's purpose, one must be "born again," accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This allows for a genuine relationship with God and empowers individuals to live according to His will.
Cultivating a relationship with God is vital. Knowing God intimately is crucial to discerning and fulfilling His purpose. This involves actively seeking Him through prayer, studying the Bible, and worshipping Him.
Surrender to God's will is necessary. Aligning with God's purpose means relinquishing control and submitting to His plans, even when they differ from personal ambitions.
Embrace the process of sanctification. Growing in Christlikeness is an ongoing process that involves embracing trials and challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth, which transforms our lives and makes us suitable for God’s holy purpose.
We must be realistic and recognize there are challenges to aligning with God's purpose in a world increasingly focused on technological advancements:
Technological distractions like virtual reality can pull people away from pursuing spiritual growth.
The shifting values of a futuristic vision may involve redefining values that contradict biblical teachings.
Futurists overemphasize material progress. Overcoming human limitations through technology can clash with biblical spiritual fulfillment and contentment teachings found in the Bible.
However, a Christ-follower can navigate these challenges:
We can use technology for good. Technology can be leveraged to serve others and spread the gospel, as Paul did in his ministry by using letter writing.
We can Find purpose amidst change. Even if AI transforms the workforce, individuals can discover their God-given talents and use them to serve their communities.
We must Prioritize biblical principles. Actively prioritizing our relationship with God and resisting detrimental or distracting technology use is vital.
We must Discern God's will amidst change and rely more on God's guidance to make wise choices in a rapidly evolving world.
Recognizing that technological advancements and biblical principles are not mutually exclusive. Individuals can embrace technology while seeking guidance from their faith, using it as a tool for good and living a life that glorifies God.