As a Christian, what is our mission in life? What is our duty; our chief end?
It is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever!
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36
“”Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11
”Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me council; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:5-11
We all have been created for a reason. And this reason can’t be found in us alone! This is because God created man. God created man in his own image. And man, as originally created, was a true image of God because he was God-centered rather than self-centered. His one thought and desire, before sin ruined everything, was to serve God and to take delight in him. This is what we are to be doing!
Yes, we will have other goals, aims, and purposes in our lives, but the true view is that when a person seeks to glorify God, he seeks at all times and in all activities alike to do that which is well pleasing in God’s sight. Faithful work and wholesome recreation, are just as much a part of glorifying God as is the worship of God on the Sabbath, or witnessing to an unbeliever. No doubt there are some things that we do which are more important than other things, but true Christian discipleship is to see life as a whole, that is to be consciously lived unto the honor of God, and in the service of his name!
When we glorify God, it doesn’t mean for us to make God glorious. God already is glorious! Rather, we are to reflect God’s glory through every part of our lives; to be a mirror to show God’s handiwork. We are given this wonderful privilege of doing it because we want to do it!
We all have a God-given purpose, and if we are truly living for Christ, our reflection of Him will be evident in our lives.
Note: Portions of this post have been taken from The Westminster Shorter Catechism by C.I. Williamson.
