Form Follows Function

Each era produces its own flock of teachers who rush in and say, “This is the way, walk in it.”  Much later and perhaps with a certain amount of sorrow, those who lept in to follow some modern teachers discover afresh the ancient Biblical truth, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). 

Sadly rebuffed by a teaching which seemed so promising we’re slow to follow after another, but at this point why not let nature be our instructor?

One idea constant in nature and a foundational principle for architecture is that “form follows function.”  That is, a thing is designed to allow a certain function.  Accordingly nature programs on “TV” are at pains to demonstrate how the given physical characteristics of a certain animal enable it to survive in its environment.

Now in the human situation we are not talking about mere survival, but about purposeful and productive lives.  Therefore, if form follows function, we must ask the question, “Why am I here?” or, more specifically, “Why was I created?”

The old Presbyterian catechism got at this issue directly with its method of teaching by posing questions and supplying answers and said, “What is the chief end of man?” and the response was, “To know God and cherish Him forever.”

If this be true, and multiplied millions over nearly 2,000 years have found it so, then it follows that everything I can do to get to know God would supply meaning to my life.  It also follows that those lives are most purposeful and productive that are most closely aligned with the purposes of God.

Do you find life purposeful, or, are you just floundering about?  Why not seek out someone whose life radiates something of joyful purpose and ask them their secret.