Dr. John Lennox, British mathematician, philosopher of science, and one of the leading Christian apologists of the day once told a story about his kids asking him why they were here, why they existed. “Do you know what I told them? ‘Because I wanted you to be.’” What a perfect answer, honest and reassuring, letting the children know that they are wanted, that they exist because someone wanted them to exist.

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” (Revelation 4:11)

Did you catch that? God’s answer to the question is the same. We’ve all wondered at some point or another, “Why am I here?” God’s answer is, “Because I wanted you to be.” God wants you. You were intentionally made. Is it any wonder that when we stopped teaching children that God made them and started teaching them that we are all here by accident, that suicide is now the second leading cause of death for all Americans ages 10-34 years old. And it’s not just people outside of the faith. Just eleven days ago Jarrid Wilson, a young pastor and co-founder of Anthem of Hope, committed suicide. He was once quoted as saying, “All the counseling and help I received came years after I actually needed it, and it was found in the secrecy of a local medical facility, not a church—where it should have been all along.”

If we let the message of this world dominate the minds of our children then we will lose them. When they leave our homes to go to school or work, they are encountering the world and all of its lies. We must instill Truth in them and in ourselves, reminding ourselves daily—even hourly—of the truth of Scripture.

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

“Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” (Galatians 4:7)

 “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” (John 15:15)

We are children of God, heirs with Christ, God’s own masterpiece, and we are called friends of Jesus. Can you imagine what might happen to the suicide rate in this country if everyone knew those truths and all the truths contained in Scripture? Suicide prevention, counseling—it should be found in the church; it is found in Scripture. Please remind yourself and your children as often as you can that God made them with love, they have a purpose, they are called children of God, friends of Jesus, and they are the greatest thing God made, His masterpiece. The next time you are asked the question, “Why am I here?”—or you find yourself asking it—remember God’s answer: “You are here because I wanted you to be.”

If you have any questions or ever want to discuss things further, please contact us.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed