Telos in Christianity: Living by God's Purpose

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

In Christianity, the concept of "telos" holds profound significance, offering a guiding light for moral and religious decision-making. Derived from the ancient Greek term for "purpose" or "end," telos in the Christian context refers to God's ultimate plan and purpose for humanity. Understanding this divine purpose provides Christians with a moral framework to make ethically sound choices and lead a life aligned with God's will.

Central to the Christian faith is the belief that God created each individual with a specific telos in mind. This purpose involves cultivating a personal relationship with God, following the teachings of Jesus Christ, and living a life marked by love, compassion, and virtue. By seeking to fulfill this telos, Christians strive to become more Christ-like and participate actively in God's redemptive plan for the world.

Telos serves as a compass for moral decision-making, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's commandments and embodying the fruits of the Holy Spirit. By aligning their actions with God's purpose, we can discern right from wrong and make choices that promote righteousness and goodness.

Our ultimate telos is to live forever in happiness with God. Along the journey of life, however, we all need intermediate goals. One of the most basic tests for an action is to ask “What end do I want to achieve?” Asking basic questions as you proceed along the path of life is important as a way of judging your own actions. What is the goal to be achieved in my life, in my parish, in my community? When you honestly answer those sorts of questions your actions will come into greater focus as to whether they will actually achieve the goal. Remember too that both the end you want to achieve and the means to achieve it must be good. The simplest axiom of the natural law given by God is that you cannot do evil to bring about good.

Christians can turn to Scripture and prayer to seek God's guidance, keeping in mind the ultimate goal of glorifying God in all aspects of life. Telos encourages Christians to act with compassion and empathy towards others, recognizing that all individuals are made in the image of God and deserve respect and dignity.

Telos in Christianity serves as a moral compass and a guide for religious decision-making. Rooted in God's divine purpose for humanity, it inspires Christians to pursue a life of righteousness, compassion, and love. By aligning their choices with God's will, Christians can navigate the complexities of life with a sense of purpose and the assurance of living according to God's plan. Embracing one's telos involves a continuous journey of sanctification, becoming more like Christ through God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit.

One great intermediate telos is to be on a mission and make Jesus Famous. 
Fr. Olson