The Chief End of Me

The first question of the Westminster Shorter Catechism* asks, “What is the chief end of man?”  The answer: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

My devotions yesterday morning, as well as a separate reading in Authentic Beauty, asked this question.  I just love ‘coincidence’, don’t you?  When I got to church and my father preached on the same exact thing I chucked any thoughts of coincidence out of my head and took it to be a calling out from the Lord.

Do you and I live out the chief purpose God has for us each and every day?  He has called us to glorify Him and enjoy Him in every single thing we do. 

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

It is so easy to get caught up in being good wives, moms, teachers, grandmas, leaders, employees, aunts and friends that we forget to do what the Lord has first and foremost called us to do – glorify Him.  If our houses are neat and clean, our work at the office is completed, or our ministries at church are taken care of that is wonderful.  However, if we are not doing it all for the express purpose of bringing glory to God we have missed the mark.

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen  Romans 11:36 

Let us commit to taking our first calling seriously.  Examining each of our daily pursuits in light of glorifying God is a vital step to take.  Asking ourselves if our actions and heart attitudes are in line with our call to glorify the Lord will help us determine where we stand.  Our various earthly roles will be much easier to do well and faithfully if we are doing them to glorify God and God alone. 

For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:20

Prayer:

Father, thank you that I have been bought with a price and thereby have the privilege of honoring and glorifying You in all I do.  As I do this and You bless me, let Your glory be shown to others around me.  May that example draw the lost and broken to You.  Amen.

Challenge:

Post the question “What is the chief end of ME?” on cards and hang one in each room of your home and work area.  As you are going about your daily work, ask and answer the question repeatedly.  Be honest with yourself about your true motives and attitudes.  If they do not truly glorify God, change them!

Jen G 2012

*The Westminster Shorter Catechism was written by English and Scottish Bible scholars in the 1600’s.  Its purpose was to help ‘regular’ people learn and understand doctrine and beliefs of the Church.  A series of 107 questions and answers make for some good reading and pretty easy memorizing.  As with any document or creed written by man, be mindful to check everything against God’s infallible Word.