WHAT LIFE IS ALL ABOUT

Introduction

I want to begin my time this morning by insisting in an emphatic way, that the Giver of Life is still giving life, and the giver of Joy is still giving joy, the giver of peace is still giving peace, and the giver of love is still giving love... to all those who want it, to everyone that needs it because the Giver of Life is Alive.

In 1966, Songwriters Bert Bacharach and Hal David wrote a song called “Alfie” to promote a movie by the same name. The tune was sang and popularized by Dionne Warwick. I bring it up today because it raises several relevant questions as it relates to the meaning of of life. (AND) If there is ever a time that we really think about the meaning of life it is during the time of death. The song asks:

What's it all about, alfie? Is it just for the moment we live? What's it all about when you sort it out, alfie? Are we meant to take more than we give Or are we meant to be kind? And if only fools are kind, alfie, Then I guess it's wise to be cruel. And if life belongs only to the strong, alfie, What will you lend on an old golden rule? As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, alfie, I know there's something much more, Something even non-believers can believe in. I believe in love, alfie. Without true love we just exist, alfie. Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, alfie. When you walk let your heart lead the way And you'll find love any day, alfie, alfie.

THE MEANINGLESSNESS OF LIFE

The Twentieth Century Russian philosopher S.L. Frank tells us that, if we do not possess the meaning of life, we are like drowning men who have no way to get to shore. On the other hand, if we do find the meaning of life, we have a means to save ourselves and get to solid ground. The paramount task of our era is to overcome the meaninglessness of life. To remain in this meaninglessness is to die; to find meaning is to be reborn and to live. But what is the meaning of life? How does one define it and how does one find it?

NOT JUST FOR THE MOMENT

I want to suggest a few thing and then insist on another. First, I think that Nell would want me to tell those of us gathered here that Life is not about just living for the moment (Heb 11:25). In order for life to meaningful at all, it can’t just be about the temporary (the Now), Frank says, “it is Divinity that illuminates life with meaning.”

NOT ABOUT TAKING BUT GIVING

See Luke 6:38

Luke 6:38 NASB95

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”

NOT ABOUT BEING CRUEL BUT KIND

Holman Bible Dictionary. Kindness. The steadfast love that maintains relationships through gracious aid in times of need. Old Testament The principal word used to express kindness in the Old Testament (chesed ) bears the connotation of a loyal love which manifests itself not in emotions but in actions.

NOT ABOUT UNBELIEF BUT FAITH

As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, alfie, I know there's something much more, Something even non-believers can believe in

BELIEVING IN LOVE

You were loved by someone Touched by someone Held by someone Meant something to someone Loved somebody Touched somebody's heart Along the way You can look back and say (mm) You were loved (yes you were)

[Verse 2] You can have diamonds in your hands Have all the riches in the land But, without love You don't really have a thing, no no When somebody cares that you're alive When somebody trusts you with their life That's when you'll know (huh) That you have all you need You'll hold this world's most priceless gift The finest treasure that there is You can look back and know You were loved