Where are we and why are we here?

God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). He made all things including mankind. He made us male and female. He placed them in the Garden of Eden. He gave them some responsibility. They were to tend the garden. There was the forbidden tree and its fruit. We know they did not obey the command concerning the forbidden fruit. So they were taken from the Garden of Eden. Men are to work to earn a livelihood. Women have pain in child birthing. So the answer to where we are is on the earth.

We all must provide for ourselves and those of our family plus the needy. There is much more to life than food and clothing. God has promised to care for us with those things. He said we are to put first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). That answers the question as to why we are here.

Jesus is God’s Son. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” So the fact is that Jesus is God’s Son and we know we can follow his example.

He said, “I have come to do your will” speaking to the heavenly Father. We must know the Bible, which is God’s will for mankind. We must read and study to gain this knowledge. For example, there are many verses that teach how one is saved. One of these alone does not give the whole picture. We must learn all verses and obey them.

Jesus said in John 6:38-39, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me. I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.”

Jesus shows that his life was not all about himself. We must follow His example. When we are selfish, others will not like that kind of individual. Selfish people are not Jesus.

Jesus is the Son of God, but He did not come to earth for people to serve Him. He came to earth to serve.

We must have that attitude. People will enjoy being with a person who serves.

Matthew 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” He died in His service to save all mankind from sin. He died for you. He wants you to live (serve) for him. We serve him by worshiping God and serving people as the opportunities come.

We are on earth for the good of people. Let us be about our Father’s work.

Vernon Curry has preached at the Highland Drive Church of Christ in Poplar Bluff for about 16 years.