The question of man's existence has ever engrossed the mind of philosophers down through the ages. Is mankind a result of some grand scheme or purpose of an omnipotent intelligence, or is he the product of an accidental, mechanistic process of nature? In other words, why are we here? The answer to this question will color our perspective as to the goals we set for life. Archimedes wrote in his book "The End" his ideas of the final purpose toward which "all things aim." According to his analysis, the end of medical arts is health, the end of strategy is victory, the end of economics is wealth, and the end of humanity is happiness. His conclusions were no doubt based on a lifetime of observing the lives of his contemporaries as well as his own experiences, but also they were influenced by a paganistic philosophy that did not include the possibility of life after death. Happiness is a very elusive quality. How do we know when we have obtained happiness? To listen to modern psychologists, one would conclude that to receive happiness one must lift oneself up by his own bootstraps; success and happiness is a result of determination and a positive outlook on life.
Ideas of happiness are quite diverse; some would define happiness in terms of success in business or a good job; others would aspire to wealth and security; others strive for power and influence; some would like to achieve popularity and fame; some strive for intellectual or literary excellence; others would covet great wisdom and knowledge; and some would be happy with beauty and adornment. Many people today would sacrifice themselves on the altar of excitement and entertainment for a moment of self indulgence and gratification of the senses. They are like Esau who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage because of appetite. Some choose riotous living and debauchery; some choose sexual immorality and pornography; some drown themselves in their work; some take frivolous excursions or extended vacations; and some even resort to drugs to escape the boredom of life. However, all these escape mechanisms eventually end, and they are frequently followed by depression or even suicide.
Life must have a higher goal than selfish satisfaction. Contrary to the philosophy of Archimedes, the Holy Scriptures give an entirely different picture as to what constitutes happiness. In fact, the Bible offers just the opposite view; happiness is not a goal in itself, but it is a byproduct of another goal which I call the 'Jesus principle.' Jesus said, "Take up your cross and follow me." Solomon said, "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." Serving God and our fellow man then is what leads to happiness. This is not the time for celebration, it is the time for cross bearing. This is why we are here; this is the true "essence of life."
