What is the purpose of life? It’s a question that echoes through every generation, every culture, and every heart. Some answer it with simplicity: “To be happy.” Others say, “My kids are my life.” These responses reflect values that are deeply human—but are they enough?
Dr. Wil Stelzer, principal at Our Savior New American School, offers a bold and transformative answer:
The purpose of life is to know God and to make Him known!
🧠 Knowing God: More Than Just Facts
In English, the word “know” can mean many things. But other languages help us see the depth of this concept. Spanish distinguishes between saber (intellectual knowledge) and conocer (relational, experiential knowledge). Greek offers oida and ginosko—again, separating head knowledge from heart experience.
James 2:19 reminds us:
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
Clearly, belief alone isn’t enough. We’re called to know God like Enoch and Noah, who walked with Him. Like Abraham and Moses, who were called friends of God.
Jesus Himself defined eternal life this way:
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” —John 17:3
To know God is to live in relationship with Him—not just to memorize facts, but to experience His presence, His grace, and His goodness.
🌍 Making God Known: A Life of Mission
If knowing God is the first part of our purpose, the second is making Him known.
Jesus’ final words before ascending into heaven were a commission:
“Go and make disciples of all nations…” —Matthew 28:19
And Paul, in his farewell to the church in Ephesus, said:
“Nothing, not even my life, is more important than my completing my mission… to testify about the good news of God’s grace.” —Acts 20:24
We are not here simply to exist. We are here to reflect, proclaim, and embody the love and truth of God.
🍷 A Life That Tastes and Sees
That’s why we gather. That’s why we worship. That’s why we teach—not just to fill minds, but to shape hearts. Isn’t that why you’re reading this article now. You want to know your Savior better. You want to make your time spent on earth have an eternal impact…Not just fill your head with facts about Jesus so you can do well on trivia night, but to experience life with Him as a member of the body of Christ.
In the Lord’s Supper, we don’t just remember facts about Jesus. We experience Him. We taste and see that the Lord is good.

🙌 Final Thoughts
The purpose of life is not found in success, comfort, or even family alone. It is found in knowing God—and making Him known.
That’s the mission. That’s the calling. That’s the reason we’re here.