My Study with Eliyahu

The Purpose of Life: A Spiritual Perspective

Wisdom calls out in the streets, urging us to listen, reflect, and realign ourselves with our higher purpose. The teachings remind us that the physical world was created to serve humanity, but humanity, in turn, was created to serve something far greater — the divine purpose of the Creator.

Material Needs vs. Spiritual Purpose

Life isn’t just about fulfilling material desires. The wisdom of the ages teaches us that material resources, like food and wealth, are not ends in themselves. Just as a donkey’s purpose is to assist in carrying the burdens of the physical world, our bodies and material possessions are meant to serve our spiritual growth. They are tools to help us connect to God and fulfill His ultimate intentions for creation.

As Ben Zoma famously said in Kiddushin:

“These things were created to serve me, and I was created to serve my Creator.”

This perspective shifts the focus of our lives. Everything in the physical world exists for us — but not for selfish indulgence. Instead, it’s an invitation to use these resources to honor God and fulfill our spiritual mission.

The Balance Between Wealth and Humility

There’s no issue in enjoying material abundance, feeling like a millionaire, or having access to wealth. Owning cars, homes, and money isn’t inherently negative. The key lies in understanding their purpose. These blessings are given so that we can serve the King of Kings. They are tools, not trophies.

It’s essential to avoid letting ego take over. Recognize that everything you possess is a means to fulfill your higher purpose. Whether it’s wealth, health, or relationships, these gifts are entrusted to you to help you grow spiritually and contribute to the greater good.

Challenges as Spiritual Opportunities

Sometimes, challenges arise in the form of financial struggles, stress, or even personal failures. These aren’t punishments — they are opportunities to awaken to a deeper truth. Struggles can help us reassess what truly matters and remind us of our ultimate purpose.

When we feel tension or fear, especially about material concerns, it’s an invitation to pause and realign. Instead of succumbing to despair, see it as a moment to turn inward and reconnect with God’s intention for you. The tension isn’t meant to break you; it’s meant to wake you up.

Humanity’s Unique Role

The creation of humanity was not just another event in the divine plan. Unlike other creations, humans hold a unique position because we bridge the physical and spiritual worlds. Our spiritual souls exist within physical bodies, and this combination enables us to elevate the material world into something sacred.

This divine mission is beautifully expressed in the analogy of a king with a magnificent palace filled with everything good. The king desires not only to enjoy the abundance himself but to share it with guests. Similarly, God created the world for humanity to take part in His divine plan, not as passive receivers but as active participants in the spiritual journey.

Embracing the Divine Purpose

When we truly understand that our material possessions and challenges are part of a divine plan, we gain clarity. Our purpose isn’t to simply exist or to accumulate wealth for selfish reasons. It’s to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary by dedicating our lives to a higher cause.

This perspective brings peace. It reframes wealth, success, and even struggles as tools for growth. Instead of chasing fleeting pleasures or succumbing to despair, we can focus on the ultimate purpose of life: to serve, to elevate, and to connect with God.

Takeaway

Life is a delicate balance between enjoying the material blessings of this world and remembering their purpose. Whether it’s the food we eat, the wealth we possess, or the challenges we face, everything is an opportunity to grow spiritually and serve the greater good.

The question to ask yourself is:

“Am I using what I have to fulfill my purpose, or am I letting it distract me?”

Aligning your life with this purpose doesn’t just transform your relationship with material things; it transforms your entire existence into one of meaning, connection, and divine alignment.