A key question is what led to consciousness? 

Atheists assert the matter led to mind.

Believers assert that Mind led to matter.

How you answer that question may well determine how you try and live your life and what goals you try to achieve. 

 Interesting point. I think it's possible that both perspectives could have some truth—maybe matter and mind are more intertwined than we think. How we view that relationship definitely impacts our worldview and how we approach life.