One of the basic needs of every individual is to find the purpose for his existence. The human mind searches for a cause, a reason for being, and will not be satisfied until it finds direction. A large part of the unrest among young people today stems from this search. And the same demand faces those of any age. It is essential for us to know why we exist and to have a conscious sense of direction in our lives.

Humanly we may have many goals. All these may be legitimate in the temporary sense of things. We aspire to success in our jobs, a good family, and happy relationships. But just human duties, such as providing the family budget, caring for growing children, getting an education, while admirable in themselves, do not suffice for the basic need. When these duties are finished, what then? One is still faced with the necessity of purpose, or a reason for being. It is only as one conceives his purpose on the basis of immortal Principle, or God, that he realizes an enduring aim and a continuous sense of unfoldment.

Christian Science teaches that God, Mind, divine Love, is the cause of man's being. God is the creative power, and man exists as the image and likeness, the witness, the expression, of God. "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen." ^{Isa. 43:10;} It is only as we gain a clearer idea of God that our own lives begin to take shape and we find incentive. Mrs. Eddy has referred to man as "the conscious identity of being as found in Science, in which man is the reflection of God, or Mind, and therefore is eternal." ^{Science and Health, p. 475;}

As our Exemplar, Jesus had a very clear and direct sense of purpose. It was apparent in many ways in his ministry, but in simple terms it was to bring the Christ, the true idea of God, to humanity. It was to portray the nature of God and to show what that nature meant in terms of practical benefit to mankind. In demonstration of this nature he healed sickness and destroyed sin, fed the multitude and raised the dead. Such goals are facing each one of us today.

Man is the clearly defined and individualized activity of God. Christ Jesus said at one point, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." ^{John 14:9;} He manifested Love; he reflected divine intelligence. He demonstrated the fact that man knows what to do and how to do it. He was never at a loss to know how to express his Principle and to fill the human need.

In our immature understanding of God we may ask, "How can I find my purpose? How can I realize fulfillment?" First, we must admit that in the relation of God and man, cause and effect, we definitely have a purpose. Then we can intelligently pray to God for the revelation of that purpose. In her explanation of creation Mrs. Eddy says in the textbook, Science and Health, "Spirit, God, gathers unformed thoughts into their proper channels, and unfolds these thoughts, even as He opens the petals of a holy purpose in order that the purpose may appear." ^{Science and Health, p. 506;}

The opposite of purpose is aimlessness, indifference, apathy. It is well expressed in the theories of those who say that life is without reason and that there is no directing divine intelligence. This results in formless lives, chronic indecision, and lack of accomplishment. If one starts with no reason for being, he ends up with no being. Such thinking results in suicide.

Each day we can examine ourselves and see if we are living our lives with the divine purpose to bless, to serve, to reflect the Life which is Love. Sometimes we may shock ourselves with such an examination, but then that too may be healthy. It serves to reorient our activity. Sometimes in seeking to serve God, Spirit, it may seem that we are swimming against the stream, that we are constantly bucking the tide of general thinking.

One of the best examples of persistent purpose in nature, I am told, is the activity of the salmon in swimming upriver to spawn. It makes incredible efforts to gain its goal, overcoming all kinds of obstacles. We can take a lesson from such an example and enjoy the challenge that demands increased effort and results in growth in grace. In this connection, I remember the title of a sermon I once saw posted on a bulletin board. It read: "Don't drift! Any dead fish can float downstream."

Man reflects the Life which is God; therefore he has purpose, he has impetus. Jesus said, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth". ^{John 18:37.} Each one of us can take his cue from the Master. As we embody the qualities of God and reflect the nature of our divine Principle, we can feel the presence and power of divine Love giving shape, direction, and definition to our lives.

William Milford Correll

He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

II Corinthians 9:6, 7