The Chief End of Man
As we entered 2025, I was reminded and challenged by a statement in the Westminster Confession: “What is the chief end of man? The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.”
“Wow,” I thought to myself, “That would make a great purpose statement for this year.”
What exactly does it mean to glorify God and what does it mean to enjoy him forever?
My study of the word glorify or glory has the connotation of giving proper weight to a person or object. Another way of saying this, we are to give proper weight, value, or honor to God. The degree to which one gives weight to something or someone will dictate the degree of influence that individual or that thing has in your life.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible teaches and reveals God to be the transcendent, supreme, everlasting, all-powerful, all-knowing, and an all-wise Creator God. Even his names and titles implore us to glorify/ give weight to who he is: God Almighty, Creator, Eternal King, Father in Heaven, King of kings and Lord of lords.
But we are in a spiritual battle and Satan wants us doubt God’s glory--God’s supremacy in the universe and thus our lives. Satan the father of lies wants us to believe less of God the Creator. The devil’s biggest scheme is slandering who God is in the minds and hearts of believers--to see him as less than he really is. “Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and serve the creature rather than the creator” Romans 1:25. Through our time in the word, prayer, and worship, the Holy Spirit teaches us truth to recalibrate God’s glory/weight to his proper place.
The second part of the confession states, “and to enjoy Him forever.”
There are many passages of scripture that directly and indirectly describe God before the creation of the world and how we are created to live life abundantly. I am constantly amazed at the many promises God has given us. The Bible holds over 8000 promises to us from God.
Here are some statements that show his intent to bless us.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -- Psalms 16:11
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. -- Numbers 6:24-25
The word “bless” or “blessing” means:
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible teaches and reveals God to be the transcendent, supreme, everlasting, all-powerful, all-knowing, and an all-wise Creator God. Even his names and titles implore us to glorify/ give weight to who he is: God Almighty, Creator, Eternal King, Father in Heaven, King of kings and Lord of lords.
But we are in a spiritual battle and Satan wants us doubt God’s glory--God’s supremacy in the universe and thus our lives. Satan the father of lies wants us to believe less of God the Creator. The devil’s biggest scheme is slandering who God is in the minds and hearts of believers--to see him as less than he really is. “Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshipped and serve the creature rather than the creator” Romans 1:25. Through our time in the word, prayer, and worship, the Holy Spirit teaches us truth to recalibrate God’s glory/weight to his proper place.
The second part of the confession states, “and to enjoy Him forever.”
There are many passages of scripture that directly and indirectly describe God before the creation of the world and how we are created to live life abundantly. I am constantly amazed at the many promises God has given us. The Bible holds over 8000 promises to us from God.
Here are some statements that show his intent to bless us.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. -- Psalms 16:11
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. -- Numbers 6:24-25
The word “bless” or “blessing” means:
- Flourishing: A blessing can mean flourishing, multiplication of life, and fruitfulness.
- Protection: A blessing can mean protection and well-being.
- Spiritual life: A blessing can mean a spiritual blessing, such as the blessing of the Spirit in introducing a believer into "the heavenly places in Christ.”
- Partnership with God: A blessing can mean the ability to partner with God as he rules the world.
Growing up in a Chinese family where the culture emphasized hard work, diligence, and discipline over laziness, pleasure, and fun the subconscious attitude I lived by, was to be good, don’t misbehave, and try harder. This transferred to my concept of God as a strict father who expected me to be good, try harder and not misbehave, making it hard to enjoy him.
This is the furthest from our heavenly Father’s design for us. Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10.
Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Joy and enjoying God should be something reflected in our relationship with God.
May this be a year you enjoy God more, bringing him much glory.
This is the furthest from our heavenly Father’s design for us. Jesus says, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10.
Nehemiah 8:10 says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Joy and enjoying God should be something reflected in our relationship with God.
May this be a year you enjoy God more, bringing him much glory.
Amen, Jack! When we know that God keeps His promises in a personal way and in His Righteousness we can find contentment and experience His smile!