Project Description

2013/03

Why Am I Here?

‘Begin each day: as if it were on purpose’  

The origin of this statement is unknown, but the wisdom cannot be disputed.  We are not on this earth by accident.  We are made by God, and ‘The LORD hath made all things for Himself…’ (Proverbs 16:4) So, when we consider our purpose on this earth, we must not leave God out of our thinking.  Our purpose is to glorify God.  The writers of the Catechism referred to it as ‘Man’s chief end’.  Paul leaves nothing out when he instructs the Corinthian church: ‘…whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.’ (1Corinthians 10:31) All of creation is to the glory of God.  How much more those who are redeemed? ‘For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.’ (1Corinthians 6:20)

Stating the believer’s purpose is much easier than understanding it, which, in turn, is easier than living it.  How do we live out our purpose?  We must begin by remembering that we cannot add anything to the glory of the perfectly glorious God.  God is not a God who is ‘worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything…’ (Acts 17v25).  What is it, then, to ‘glorify’ God?  Well, creation is said to ‘declare the glory of God…’ (Psalm19v1).   Creation ‘glorifies God’ by showing His nature and essential glory to the world around.  ‘For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead…’(Romans 1:20). Thus our purpose is to glorify God by showing His glory to the world around.  We do that with our lips: ‘Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me…’ (Psalm 50:23). To praise God is to glorify Him.  And we do it by our lives, living in a way that reflects His character: ‘Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.’ (Philippians1:11)

So, begin each day ‘on purpose.’  Purpose to show God to others in your words and in your walk.  Then others may glorify God.  ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:16).

From the Old to the Young

‘Man’s tongue…is given to him as a proper instrument for speaking forth the glory of God.  So it must needs be a strange perverting of the tongue, to set it against the heavens, and let it loose to the dishonour of God…’  

‘A holy life is a life of light; it is a shining light, to let the blind world see the glory of God.  Sin darkens the glory of God, draws a veil over it.’  Thomas Boston  (‘Of Man’s Chief End and Happiness’, Works, Vol.1, Pg.9f)

Dr. Stephen Pollock