The Westminster Shorter Catechism was completed in 1947 by the Westminster Assembly. In the opinion of the great theologian B.B. Warfield, the Westminster divines left to us not only “the most thoroughly thought-out statement ever penned of the elements of evangelical religion” but also one which breathes “the finest fragrance of spiritual religion.” Their most influential work, The [Westminster] Shorter Catechism, was intended as a teaching basis for an introduction to the Christian faith. This catechism takes the form of question and answer. We begin this series with the first question:
What is the chief end of man?
Question: What is the chief end of man?
Answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.
This verse tells us our purpose of living.
To Glorify God
First, we live to glorify God. This is as the apostle Paul says: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31). Before Jesus became your Lord and Saviour, your most important purpose in life perhaps was to make yourself or people who are important to you happy. But now that Jesus has given His life to you to save you from hell and sin, and has given you eternal life, you live to please Him. That does not mean that you stop loving or caring for people who are important to you. In fact, you should. You still care for and love them but the most important purpose of doing so is not just for them or for yourself but to glorify God. How is that so? For instance, you care and love people so that they may experience Jesus’ love that they too may receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord and receive eternal life. In this way, God’s desire is satisfied because He desires that all men may be saved to eternal life. When sinners thank God for giving them salvation and stop living in sin and live to please God, their lives will bring glory to God. You would thus have glorified God. So, in whatever you do, you must ask yourself this question: Will God be glorified? If it disgraces God, do not do it. If it does, then do it with all your might. You do not belong to sin or even to yourself. Jesus bought you with a heavy price: His very life. Hence, you must stop living a self-centred life. Live for your Lord and Saviour.
To Enjoy God
Second, enjoy God. When you live your life for God, you do not lose but gain because the Lord Himself will satisfy you. The psalmist says: “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup … in Your presence there is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:5-11). That which will truly satisfy you is not material goods but God Himself because in Him is eternal and abundant life. God desires to satisfy you and to make you truly happy. He is all mighty, all wise and all loving. He is thus able and is willing to satisfy you. Thus, love Him. Be faithful. Read His word, pray to Him and enjoy His sweet presence.