Man's Chief End

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man's chief end is to glorify God,(1) and to enjoy him for ever.(2)

(1) I Cor. 10:31; Rom. 11:36.
(2) Ps. 73:25-28.

This is a very well known catechism question and answer. So much so that even those who do not hold to the Westminster Standards (the Confession of Faith and the Larger & Shorter Catechisms) know this one. The language is a bit old-fashioned to be sure, but it is nonetheless clear in its meaning. What does the Catechism mean by "chief end of man" in this question? In this case, "chief" means primary, whereas "end" refers to purpose, aim, or goal. Thus, this question answers for us the age old question of purpose for man; it answers for us in part "what is the meaning of life?"

The answer concerning our chief end comes to us in two parts, which may seem odd given that "chief end" is actually singular. Firstly, man exists primarily to glorify God. It is necessary to note that mankind's purpose is not to make God glorious since He already is glorious. In fact, all that we give to God - including our worship and glorifying of Him - is not something we do because He lacks something. God does not lacks anything. Thus our glorifying God is not something we do in giving glory to Him because He lacks it and needs it from us. Our glorifying of God is more of a proclamation and service to Him. Everything we do and say ought to reflect God's glory (see the prooftexts above). Your primary purpose - your chief end - is to glorify God. Notice that this purpose does not change based on whether or not we want to glorify Him. Those who remain in their sin hate God, but that does not change what their chief end is.

Man was also created to enjoy God forever. While it is certainly true that God has given us so many good things to enjoy in this life, nothing should be enjoyed more than God Himself. This question teaches us to do two things as our chief end: to delight God and to delight in God. Think of various people whose company you enjoy. You heart warms when you are around them; you smile; you look forward to being with them; you become happy when you find out they will be at the same event as you. In other words, you take delight in them and their presence. How much more should we as Christians delight in being in His presence? Do you delight in who God is? Do you delight in His love for you? Do you delight in everything He says to you in His word? Take delight in Him! If you are not delighting God and delighting in God, you are not fulfilling your purpose. Of course, only those who live by faith in Christ can even have such a desire. It is in and through Christ alone and the grace that He secured for us that we can glorify and enjoy Him.

One final comment regard the two-pronged chief end in this question. Some have suggested that man's chief end is both teleological and eschatological. A teleological end is just that.... the goal or purpose. An eschatological end has to do with end times, i.e., after Christ returns. In other words our teleological end is always to glorify God and our eschatological end is to enjoy Him forever.

As the new year is upon us, do not forget your chief end - glorify God and enjoy Him forever. If there's one resolution you make for this year, make it this one.