Our Chief Obligation

     Most of us are off and running as we start the New Year of 2018.  Often our resolutions do not last very long but at least we have set some goals to shoot for and are aware of a need for change.  One area that we can easily overlook is seriously thinking about our purpose for being where we are at this present time.  We were created by God with His design and purpose for our lives.  This should give us great hope and renewed strength in facing each day.
     In the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the first question put to us is this:  "What is the chief end of man?"  The answer is:  "Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."  This brief question and answer gives us our purpose for living, but it does not stop there.  Several Scripture proofs are also given and include several we need to think about.  The first comes from I Corinthians 10:31:  "Whether therefore you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."  This verse reminds us that in all of our activities, even those we consider mundane, we are to do it all for God's glory.  Puts a new outlook on dieting, right?  Can we eat anything we want?  Will it glorify God and will it

Westminster Abbey, London England

damage the "Temple of the Holy Spirit" if we partake in that nice big piece of cake?  The words that really strike home, though, is "whatever you do".  So we need to evaluate on a daily basis our actions and manner of living.  Does it glorify God?  Do I reflect His love and grace at work, at home and when I am out with friends.
     Another question we might ask is why should I glorify God?  Revelations 4:11 reads:  "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power for thou hast created all things and for thy pleasure they are and were created."  The Apostle John answers this question very specifically.  God created us and all things.  Every time we see something beautiful (a flower, a bird, an animal) we need to remember that God made this that we might see His infinite wisdom and power.  Watching a sunset here is Florida often takes my breath away.  Who painted such a great picture to enjoy?  Our heavenly Father.  His name is to be praised for such blessing.  Yet, even more important than the beauty around us, we must never forget the price that was paid for our redemption.  God sent His Son to us that He might fulfill the Law and give His life in our place so we might receive forgiveness and eternal life.  Of all things, this should not only humble us but cause us to want to glorify God all day long in all we do just out of thankfulness.
     A final verse to contemplate comes from Psalms 73:25-26:  "Whom have I in heaven but thee?  And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever."  We best glorify God when we find our satisfaction in Him.  He will never disappoint us or leave us.  He is our worth and our significance...not our job, our position in an organization or any other worldly endeavor.  When we find joy in Him, we have found contentment in this life and the life to come.  He has given us all we need for life and godliness; therefore, we are to enjoy Him and bring glory to His name.
     G.I. Williamson in his book, "The Westminster Shorter Catechism for Study Classes" illustrates the difference in those who are in Christ and those who are outside Christ.  Believers who put God first live knowing their purpose is to glorify God in every area.  This brings greater enjoyment from work, play and family.  Those outside of Christ live a "self-centered" life where everything revolves around them.  When things get out of their control (as it usually does at one point or another), they are unhappy with all of life.
     As we reflect on those resolutions for the New Year, we must remember that our purpose in life is to glorify God in all that we do.  This changes our attitude and perspective.  We were made to shine for Christ and to enjoy God each day.  We must seek to live this out daily and rejoice in all the blessings He has given to us.  In 2018. let us strive to glorify the Lord!  Selah!