Last weekend, my communion meditation talked about things that have been discovered by accident. The list includes:
- LSD
- Corn flakes
- Penicillin
- Microwave ovens
- Silly Putty
- Post-it Notes
- Play-Doh
- Viagra
- The Slinky
And there are others. It’s a testament to the creativity of God and human ingenuity that many of the technological breakthroughs we enjoy were the unintended consequences of someone’s tinkering around. In a sense, they were just accidents.
That may work when it comes to biology, but it’s not the best way to discover your eternal purpose. Few people answer the question “Why am I here?” by accident. It’s not they set out to find the best BBQ sauce and end up discovering the meaning of life (though, I have to admit, a good dry rub adds meaning to life).
Some wait for their purpose to fall into their lap. Others act like it all depends on them.
Neither way is the right way. For the Christ-follower, we believe our purpose in life is formed by a joint partnership between ourselves and God. We don’t create our own purpose and do as we please; nor does God not take into account our unique wiring, personality, gifts and abilities.
Your reason for living is the most important factor that will shape how you live. It’s too important to just hope it shows up by accident.
(You can read more about these unintended discoveries at HowStuffWorks).