One writer I often enjoy said two realities shape his thinking daily: God and salvation! In this era of autonomous individualism and rational men and women who believe they are in control of their destinies, such thinking seems (to some) naïve, uninformed or unenlightened, a psychological crutch (perhaps) projecting a placebo-type hope into a rigorous world which demands nothing more than raw courage and grit to navigate. The God question for some is a non-starter, but for many, indeed, for most (if we look at history and current trends worldwide), it is clearly something that will not and does not, go away. Why?
Perhaps the question itself is an indicator of something? In the ancient text called by the Hebrews (Qoheleth) and named Ecclesiastes in the Bible, it says in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end”. The question of God and the NEED for God is at its heart, the question of reality and truth. If there is a God, and if we live in a created order, then the need for God would be central to existence, meaning, morality and our ultimate purpose. It would mean that life is not random, that there is a higher power (in the Christian view, a personal God) to whom we give an account and to whom we can relate.
Most human lives are marked throughout by a restless search for happiness, for wholeness, for an end to suffering, and some sense of meaning in life, not just in general, but specifically for their own life. We are all too aware of life’s many injustices and wrongs. We see death, suffering, sorrow and pain on a daily basis and yet we deeply long for peace, joy, a good life and happiness. The Modern world promises unlimited pleasure and endless toys and experiences to assuage the deep yearnings of the human heart and yet we live knowing we have infinite longings but finite capacities! Satisfaction, security and significance all too often pass us by. Deep within every heart and mind is a longing for a better world, for a good life, for harmony and hope. The Gospel given to us (by Jesus) takes these needs, questions and longings very seriously.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus contrasts two ways of life. In John 10:10, he says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”. Jesus articulates clearly that there is something in reality that disturbs life, which aims to destroy it, which produces suffering, sorrow and death. By contrast, he came that we might have life and have it abundantly! Why do I need God? Because I need something higher, greater, more significant to live for and because I need an answer and help to things like emptiness, meaninglessness, lovelessness and death.
I have travelled most of my life. I have been to many countries, observed many ways of life, read hundreds of books, watched countless movies and had more conversations on life, meaning, and God than I can count. Why do I need God? Because in Him is life, and according to Jesus, that life is the light of men. Life, light, and one not mentioned here yet but central …Love (see John 3:16) is the promise and the answer. I think that’s a vision worth pursuing.
