Our Ultimate Purpose?
Glorify God and Enjoy Him Forever!
The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with the profound question, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer given is equally profound:
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”
This statement encapsulates the ultimate purpose of human existence—glorifying God. But what does it mean to glorify God, and how do we live in such a way that our lives bring Him glory?
In 1 Corinthians 10:31, Paul exhorts the believers:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (NIV).
This command suggests that glorifying God is not just about grand acts of worship but encompasses every aspect of our lives. It means living in such a way that our actions, words, and thoughts reflect the greatness and goodness of God.
In this edition, we will explore the biblical foundation for glorifying God, the ways in which we can live a life that brings Him glory, and the practical implications of making God’s glory our highest aim.
Understanding the Glory of God
To glorify God, we must first understand what it means for God to be glorified. The concept of glory is woven throughout Scripture, and it is often associated with the presence and majesty of God.
The Hebrew word for glory, kabod, literally means “weight” or “heaviness.” In Scripture, it is used to describe the weightiness of God’s presence—His significance, splendor, and majesty. For instance, in Exodus 33:18-19, Moses asks to see God’s glory, and God responds by revealing His goodness and proclaiming His name:
“Then Moses said, ‘Now show me your glory.’ And the Lord said, ‘I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence’” (NIV).
God’s glory is the manifestation of His character and attributes. It is His holiness, power, wisdom, and love made visible. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim declare:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (NIV).
God’s glory fills the earth because His presence and power are evident in all creation.
Jesus as the Revelation of God’s Glory
The ultimate revelation of God’s glory is found in Jesus Christ. In John 1:14, we read:
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (NIV).
Jesus is the embodiment of God’s glory. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He reveals the fullness of God’s character and purpose. In Hebrews 1:3, it is further emphasized:
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word” (NIV).
Jesus is not only a reflection of God’s glory; He is the very essence of it. To glorify God, therefore, is to honor and exalt Jesus, to recognize Him as the ultimate revelation of who God is.
Living for the Glory of God
Once we understand the significance of God’s glory, the next step is to align our lives with the purpose of glorifying Him. This involves every area of our lives, from our personal conduct to our relationships, work, and worship.
Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 10:31 to “do all for the glory of God” implies that even the most mundane aspects of life—eating, drinking, working—can be acts of worship if done with the right heart. Glorifying God in our personal lives means living with integrity, pursuing holiness, and cultivating a heart of gratitude.
Pursuing Holiness: In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we are called to be holy as God is holy: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (NIV). Holiness is about being set apart for God, living in a way that reflects His character. This includes avoiding sin and striving to live according to God’s standards.
Cultivating Gratitude: Gratitude is another way to glorify God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul instructs us to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV). A heart of gratitude acknowledges God’s goodness and sovereignty in every situation, and it honors Him by recognizing that all we have comes from Him.
Living with Integrity: Integrity is about being consistent in our values, actions, and words. In Proverbs 10:9, we are told, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (NIV). When we live with integrity, we reflect the trustworthiness and faithfulness of God, thereby glorifying Him.
Glorifying God in Our Relationships
Our relationships are a powerful means of glorifying God. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). When we love others well, we reflect the love of God and bring Him glory.
Loving Sacrificially: In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands us to love one another as He has loved us: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (NIV). This sacrificial love is a testimony to the world of God’s love, and it brings glory to Him.
Forgiving Generously: Forgiveness is another way to glorify God in our relationships. In Colossians 3:13, Paul writes, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (NIV). When we forgive others, we reflect the grace and mercy of God, and we honor Him by choosing reconciliation over bitterness.
Encouraging Others: In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we are encouraged to “encourage one another and build each other up” (NIV). Encouragement is a way to speak life into others, to uplift and strengthen them in their faith. This brings glory to God because it demonstrates His love and care for His people.
Glorifying God in Our Work
Work is often seen as separate from our spiritual lives, but the Bible teaches that our work can and should be done for the glory of God. In Colossians 3:23-24, Paul writes:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (NIV).
Excellence in Work: Glorifying God in our work means striving for excellence, not to gain recognition or approval from others, but to honor God with the talents and opportunities He has given us. Excellence reflects God’s character because He is a God of order, creativity, and purpose.
Ethical Conduct: Integrity in the workplace is another way to glorify God. This includes being honest, fair, and just in our dealings with others. In Proverbs 11:1, we read, “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him” (NIV). Ethical conduct honors God by upholding His standards of justice and righteousness.
Serving Others Through Work: Work also provides opportunities to serve others, whether it’s through the products or services we offer, the way we treat our coworkers, or the attitude we bring to our tasks. When we see our work as a means of serving others, we glorify God by reflecting His servant-hearted nature.
Worship as the Ultimate Expression of Glorifying God
Worship is the highest expression of glorifying God. It is the act of ascribing worth to God, acknowledging His greatness, and responding to His love with adoration and praise. Worship goes beyond singing songs on a Sunday morning; it is a lifestyle of honoring God in all we do.
In John 4:23-24, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman:
“Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth” (NIV).
Worship in Spirit: Worshiping in Spirit means that our worship is not just an outward ritual but a genuine expression of our hearts. It is led by the Holy Spirit and is marked by sincerity, passion, and a deep love for God.
Worship in Truth: Worshiping in truth means that our worship is grounded in the truth of who God is as revealed in Scripture. It involves proclaiming His attributes—His holiness, love, power, and wisdom—and responding to His Word with faith and obedience.
The Role of Corporate Worship
While personal worship is crucial, there is also great value in corporate worship—gathering together with other believers to glorify God. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are encouraged:
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (NIV).
Unity in Worship: Corporate worship fosters unity among believers as we come together with one purpose—to glorify God. In Psalm 133:1, it is written, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (NIV). Unity in worship reflects the unity of the Godhead and brings glory to Him.
Encouragement and Edification: Corporate worship also provides an opportunity for mutual encouragement and edification. As we sing praises, hear the Word preached, and partake in the sacraments, we are built up in our faith and reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Worship as a Lifestyle
Ultimately, worship should be a lifestyle, not just an event. Romans 12:1 exhorts us:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (NIV).
Living Sacrifice: Being a living sacrifice means offering every part of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and decisions—as an act of worship to God. It means making choices that honor Him and reflect His character.
Daily Worship: Worship is not confined to Sunday services; it is a daily practice of glorifying God in all we do. Whether it’s through prayer, reading Scripture, serving others, or simply enjoying the beauty of God’s creation, every moment can be an opportunity to worship and glorify God.
The Eternal Perspective of Glorifying God
Glorifying God is not just a temporary endeavor; it has eternal significance. The Bible teaches that in the new heaven and new earth, we will spend eternity glorifying God and enjoying His presence.
In Revelation 21:23, John describes the New Jerusalem, saying:
“The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp” (NIV).
The glory of God will illuminate the new creation, and His presence will be the source of all light and life. In eternity, we will experience the fullness of God’s glory in a way that we can only glimpse now. Our worship will be unhindered by sin, and our joy will be complete as we dwell in the presence of God forever.
Living Now with Eternity in Mind
Knowing that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God for eternity should shape the way we live now. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Paul writes:
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (NIV).
Eternal Perspective: An eternal perspective helps us to prioritize what truly matters—glorifying God in all things. It encourages us to invest in what will last, rather than being consumed by temporary pursuits.
Endurance in Trials: Understanding that our present sufferings are achieving an eternal glory gives us strength to endure trials with faith and hope. It reminds us that our struggles are not in vain but are part of God’s greater plan to bring about His glory.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the call to glorify God is the highest calling we can pursue. It encompasses every aspect of our lives—our personal conduct, relationships, work, and worship. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to live in such a way that reflects the greatness and goodness of God.
As we seek to glorify God, we must remember that it is not about earning His favor but responding to His love and grace. Our lives should be a testimony to the world of who God is and what He has done. In doing so, we fulfill our ultimate purpose and find true joy and fulfillment in Him.
May our lives be marked by a deep desire to glorify God in all we do, and may we look forward with hope to the day when we will glorify Him forever in His eternal kingdom.
Reflection Questions
In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to glorify God? How can you make changes to honor Him more fully?
How does understanding God’s glory shape the way you worship?
How can you incorporate an eternal perspective into your daily decisions and actions?
Excerpted from my recent book The Jesus Style Life: A Practical Guide to Living in the Way of Jesus. (Check it out at https://stan.store/iannschonken/p/the-jesus-style-life for a 30% discount over Amazon. If you prefer Kindle or paperback: Go to Amazon please.)