What is the chief end of man?
Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.
Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.
To glorify God is to make the glory of God known to others. How does one do this? 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." Jesus said of Himself in prayer to God the Father, "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4) Thus it seems that a Christian brings glory to God through their deeds, which, when they accord with God's will, make God manifest in the world. We show the holiness, wisdom, goodness, power, righteousness, justice, love, grace, mercy and perfection of God when we act in ways that display these characteristics.
Given that God has all these characteristics, how can we not enjoy Him? Being God's chosen and beloved child is the source of the most satisfying delight that one can ever know. The desire does not outweigh the satisfaction of acquisition, as with so many earthly pleasures. Rather, this joy is truly great: "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.' " (Luke 2:10-11) This joy is as real today as it was over 2000 years ago when the shepherds first heard the angel's words. It is the joy of a relationship with the Creator, who made me and loves me.
So this is my purpose in life: to make know the magnificence of God to others through my actions and hence to delight in a full and satisfying relationship with Him.
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