The Westminster Catechism begins with, “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”
This truth summarizes the purpose of our existence – to bring glory to our Creator and find our ultimate satisfaction in Him alone. Or, as John Piper so eloquently states, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
As believers in Christ, we are called to live a life that brings glory to God in all that we do. This calling is not merely a suggestion or a nice idea but a profound truth that should shape every aspect of our existence. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (ESV)
This verse encapsulates the essence of living a life of purpose – a life that glorifies our Creator in every thought, word, and deed. It is a call to intentionality, to live with a constant awareness that our actions, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, have the potential to bring honor and praise to the One who gave His life for us.
Living for the glory of God means acknowledging that our lives are not our own, nor are we ultimately living ourselves (1 Corinthians 6:20). It means recognizing that our purpose goes beyond our personal desires and ambitions and, instead, is part of a bigger story God is writing.
To live for God’s glory is to surrender our lives to Him, allowing His Spirit to guide us so that His name would be lifted high. It is to seek His kingdom first, trusting that He will provide for our needs and lead us in paths of righteousness (Matthew 6:33). When we live for God’s glory, our priorities shift from self-gratification to selfless service, from temporary pleasures to eternal rewards.
Too often, we compartmentalize our faith, relegating it to specific times and places, such as Sunday worship services or personal devotions. However, the call to glorify God extends to every aspect of our lives, including the seemingly mundane tasks and routines that fill our days.
Whether we are at work, at home, or in the community, we have the opportunity to honor God (Colossians 3:23-24).
While it is relatively easy to praise God and testify to His goodness in times of blessing, it can be challenging in times of trials and suffering. In these moments, it can be tempting to question God’s goodness and to allow our circumstances to dictate our perspective.
Yet, it is in these very trials that we have the opportunity to bear witness to the faithfulness and sovereignty of our God. When we choose to trust Him, even when we cannot see the complete picture, we bring glory to His name. When we cling to His promises and find our strength in His sustaining grace, we proclaim to the world that our hope is not in fleeting circumstances but in the unchanging character of our Heavenly Father. In these moments, we bear witness to the truth that Jesus is better than anything else and that His presence with us sustains us.
The Apostle Paul, no stranger to suffering, reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:17, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” (ESV) In the midst of our trials, we can find comfort and purpose in the knowledge that our suffering is not in vain but is being used to shape us into the image of Christ and to bring glory to His name.
When we live with this eternal mindset, we are empowered to make choices that may seem counterintuitive or even foolish in the eyes of the world, but are profoundly wise in the eyes of God. We can embrace sacrificial living, putting the needs of others before our own, because we recognize that our true reward is not found in the temporary pleasures of this world, but in the eternal glory that awaits us in the presence of our Savior.
As Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ultimately, living a life that glorifies God is a journey of surrender – a daily laying down of our own desires and ambitions at the feet of the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. It is a recognition that our purpose is not found in the pursuit of our own glory, but in the exaltation of the One who created us and redeemed us through the sacrifice of His Son.
Living in this way gives value to each day, regardless of what it holds. We can face each day knowing that our actions, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, have the potential to bring glory to the One who is worthy of all praise and honor.
So, let us embrace this call to live a life of purpose – a life that glorifies God in everything we do. Let us be a people known not for making much of ourselves, but for the way in which we make much of and reflect the glory of our Heavenly Father.
