Westminster Shorter Catechism - Question 1

Q. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man's chief end is to glorify God,^a and to enjoy him forever.^b

Things to consider:

Inherent in the question, What is the chief end of man? Is that man has a chief end. We have a purpose, we have a charge, we have a reason to live. And furthermore, our purpose for living is not self-determined. The chief end of all mankind is the same, my chief end is not to love my wife most fully and yours is not to try your hardest at school or at work. Our chief end, our main goal toward which we must strive is the same; To glorify God and enjoy him forever.

The instruction to glorify God is fascinating; God is infinitely glorious regardless of what we do! Yet time after time in Scripture we are commanded to glorify God, to glorify his name. I can think of no better reason why we would do so than He deserves it, it is right to make a big deal of God, the biggest “deal” in the whole universe. Secondly, glorifying God is good for us. John Piper points out in his essay on Christian Hedonism that we should pursue joy wholeheartedly, for it is only in the worship and exultation of Christ that we will find it.

Tune in tomorrow (or perhaps the next day) for question 2!