Yesterday in a lesson with a 15 year old young man, I asked him a question. "What is the purpose of life?" He said he didn't know.
I meet so many people who fill their lives with jobs, sports, hobbies, TV, food, recreation, shopping, etc. and they don't know why. It reminds me of something my mission prep teacher told us. When he was a mission president in Thailand he used to tell his missionaries to ask themselves "Why am I doing?" when they were struggling. He promised it would help.
Why am I doing ______?
If we ask ourselves why we do something, it requires that we have a purpose behind our actions.
Well, answering this 15 year old's question begins with answering the question "Who am I?"
It was pointed out to me this week that over and over again in the scriptures the Savior introduces himself and begins speaking by saying "I am."
"I am Jesus whom thou persecutest" Acts 9:5
"I am Jesus Christ the Son of God" 3 Ne. 9:15
"I am he who was lifted up" D&C 6:37
"I am the light of the world" 3 Ne. 9:18
"I am the law and the light" 3 Nephi 15:9
"I am the light and the life, and the truth" Ether 4:12
"I am the light which shineth in darkness" D&C 6:21
"I Am That I Am" Exodus 3:14
Christ knew who He was. His purpose was clear.
When each of us realizes that we are beloved sons and daughters of God, our path and our purpose is clear. Our Heavenly Father loves us, and his sole purpose and desire is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." "Men are that they might have joy" and Heavenly Father wants us to live "after the manner of happiness." This is why we have a Savior--He is the light the life and the truth. It is only through Him that we can truly find happiness.
So, my challenge to you is to focus on your purpose. Begin with a prayer. If you don't know already know that you are a son or daughter of a loving Heavenly Father, I encourage you to ask Him. He will answer you, and he will help you know your purpose.
I love you all. :)
Sister Sarah Jane Lewis
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