Why Am I Created?

My friends recommended me the book Rick Warren’s A Purpose Driven Life, but I didn’t bother to read because I asserted that our purpose as human beings is to glorify God. I argued that this has been clearly learned at home and church and no best-selling author could change that. With a pile of readings to do, I didn’t think Rick Warren’s words would make my life easier. But then again the question, “Why am I created”, reverberates and I was actually a little bit encouraged to read Rick Warren with the hope of enlightening me with the reasons of my existence. As I think it over, I was afraid my answer will just be a copy of Warren’s answer. So, a Purpose Driven Life was returned to the shelf with the hope that termites and cockroaches will not be interested to devour the best-selling book.
I want my answer to be original; that is, it originates from me based on my experiences. True, it took me a long while before I could come up with a sound answer that is because I believe that the reasons why I am created could best be explained by my Creator. Why did He create me? I’ve tried to ask Him why? Definitely, because of my limitations I could not directly discern His answer.
I just opt to observe my surroundings and learn from the people around me as well as from my experiences in order to know the reasons why.
For sure, I was not created to destroy the world. That is so un-Christian and anti-God. Thus, I believe that there are good reasons why God gave me temporal existence in the universe. I believe that I have the purpose to protect God’s other creations. I think that is also the purpose of other human beings, even Adam and Eve! But, because of too much demands from the increasing population we tend to do things that destroy the natural resources. A good example is our demand for electricity. Right now, political leaders here in Iloilo propose to construct the coal-fired power plant to feed the city’s hunger for electricity. I have participated in the campaign of Greenpeace to “stop coal”. But, deep inside me, I believe I have not done enough to fulfill my purpose. Still, there’s an issue on global warming, deforestation, pollution and waste management. Sometimes, when I try to think of our purpose to protect God’s other creations, I feel guilty. I have not planted a tree for a long time. I have not even participated in helping the victims of oil spill and I have not been too vigilant on recycling.
Another reason why God allowed me to be alive is to perform certain roles in this world. I was created to be a teacher in order to help students learn. I have been created to be a part of a community and to take part in nation building. I am also here to be a student, a sister, a daughter, a friend and a neighbor. I am here to radiate the Love of God through my passion in teaching, my zeal in learning Math and my enthusiasm to help others. Like me, every person is created to be responsible in fulfilling our different roles to make our community harmonious. Like me, every one has the right to exist in this world.
I have seen only the tip of the iceberg in determining the reasons of my creation. Perhaps Rick Warren’s A Purpose Driven Life is worth reading after all. Perhaps, he has been sent to help me answer the question, “My Lord, why am I created?