Created To Glorify God

By Rev Goh Yong Kuang

Throughout the ages, people have been questioning the meaning and purpose of life. The first statement of the Westminster Confession of Faith Shorter Catechism provides the only valid answer to this age-old question. 

“The chief aim of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”

A clock is meant to tell time, a car is built to be driven, an airplane is designed to fly, shoes made to be worn. Using these things apart from what they are originally intended defeats the very purpose for which they are made.

We were created to glorify God! That’s the primary purpose of our lives and existence. To glorify God is to bring Him honour through our words, thoughts and deeds. All marriages would be much happier if only couples would stop to think or ask themselves, “Do my words, attitudes and actions toward my husband/wife glorify God?” The same applies to our relationship with our parents, children and with all people.

Glorifying God should be our full-time job. It’s a full-time calling! The Bible says:

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,

do all to the glory of God.”

(1 Cor.10:31 ESV)

How do we glorify God?

Acknowledge God

Anything in this world can become an object of worship, even the good things in life. It is not wrong to enjoy the things that God created for our enjoyment, but there is a danger of taking something good and turning it into an idol. Anything that takes away the place of God is idolatry. To glorify God is to acknowledge Him as God and give Him His due place in our hearts and lives.

Submit to God’s Sovereignty

God is sovereign in that He is in absolute control over all things, and nothing can frustrate His plans and purposes. Throughout history, God has proven this to be true of Himself. He is not beholden to us nor does He owe us any explanation. He does as He pleases (Ps.135:6). Sadly, there are those who profess to follow God, yet also live and behave as if God owes them a favour! 

Recognize God’s Ownership

The psalmist declares, “The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.” (Ps.115:16 ESV). Two things are mentioned here – firstly, heaven and earth belong to God! We don’t own the title deeds to heaven and earth. God owns them. Secondly, God chooses to give the earth to us to cultivate and to enjoy its fruits. God is the owner and we are merely His stewards, who must use His possessions for His glory!

Trust in God’s Provision

We must learn to trust God to supply all our needs “according to the riches of His glory...” (Phil. 4:19). God may provide differently than we expected. We give God the glory when we trust Him to provide what we need for our daily sustenance, both physically and spiritually.

The name “Glory” Presbyterian Church was given for a reason. It reflects the purpose of our existence as a church – that is, to give God all the glory! Amen!