Much is heard of the questionings of youth as to life, its meaning and purpose. Youth is said to be unsettled, doubtful, viewing the future as a sea of uncertainty with no port of destination and no compass of reason or revelation with which to steer the ship of life. Youth has always questioned. The signs of the times show not youth alone, but multitudes of maturer years, being led to seek a better than a material answer to the question of life's purpose.
Perhaps the commonest belief of the purpose of life is that of success in business, in professional activity, in art or literature; a favorable outcome to endeavor or ambition. And wealth, fame, and power have been considered the measure of such success. Success in any good undertaking is entirely laudable and worth while. It is evidence of self-possession, application, and perseverance—the overcoming of obstacles. The applauds success. Success brings a sense of satisfaction. But in estimating its worth, one must make a most delicate discrimination between the material and the spiritual, the unreal and the real. Material success may be purchased at too great a price. Jesus said plainly, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." He recognized our human needs, but he put first things first. He knew that men should make their primary objective the kingdom of God, the reign of spiritual consciousness. It is noteworthy that he did not make material things even the secondary aim of life. "And all these things shall be added," not as a result of seeking them, but of seeking the kingdom of God.
To many, life seems a disappointment because so-called success has not been attained. But it may be said that no material accomplishment, no wealth or power or fame, is life's ultimate aim. Because it is not, none of these things bring the satisfaction, joy, or peace which passeth understanding. This explains the disappointment and dissatisfaction in human experience, and shows why the Preacher cried, "I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit."
