Do we have a purpose?

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

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:36 (ESV)

Question 1 from the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

Q: What is the chief end of man?

A: Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever.


This beginning point focuses on man's purpose. Without some transcendent purpose, we get the sense that this earth is just mechanics. We are but a machine. When the machine wears out, we dispose of it. The clergy who wrote the Westminster Shorter Catechism understood that to begin our theological journey we need to understand that purpose and meaning are central to message of scripture and central to man's needs.

While the question of what man's purpose is man central to the question, the proof text from Romans 11 is really much broader than the issue of man. Man is a part of all creation, and all creation is for the glory of God.

As a frame highlights the picture, we are to bring glory to our creator and king.

Each of us has a unique contribution to the mosaic of mankind. Our unique gifts, unique family, our unique historic period, and unique contributions are all a part of that glorifying God. We are a part of a much larger work of art. We fit in to that picture even when we don't sense. But we do want to sense it. How do we do that?

1.Look at God through his Word and prayer.
2.Understand the context into which God has placed you. This includes the time in history in which you and I live, and the location where you are and the web of relationships which you have to include family and friends.
3.Understand yourself, who you are.
4.Use your gifts to praise God.

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