Proofs

[1] 1 Corinthians 10:31; [2] Psalm 73:25–28.

Comments

The chief end of man refers to the chief purpose for which man is created. It is, therefore, that which man ought to aim at or endeavour to obtain, as his chief good and happiness. Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him both in this life and for eternity.

To glorify Him does not mean to give God any additional glory since He is eternally and infinitely perfect and glorious (Mt 5:48). What it means is to manifest God’s glory in our lives: ’that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Pet 2:9b). When we worship and acknowledge God in sincere praise and thanksgiving, we glorify him: “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me” (Ps 50:23a; cf. Heb 13:15). Similarly, when we sincerely endeavour, in our actions, to exalt God’s name and to promote the interest of His kingdom in the world, we glorify Him. This, of course, requires a genuine, loving obedience to His Word at all points, at all times and in all situations (see 1 Cor 10:31).

To enjoy God is to rest in God and to delight in Him. In this life, we enjoy God when we taste of His goodness (Ps 34:8) and experience His special love for us, which is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5). This happens especially as we commune with Him in prayer, in the reading of His Word, in beholding His creation, and in contemplating His providence. Our full enjoyment of Him, however, awaits us in heaven when we will be hindered by sin no more, and when we shall see Christ face to face: “in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps 16:11b; cf. Heb 4:9; 1 Cor 13:12; Phil 3:12).