Chapter 1

Mans Chief End (Q1)

t was late one Monday evening. The car came to a complete stop at the front porch. The eight-hour-long journey from Glasgow to London was finally over. Yet, although this particular journey had just ended, another one was about to begin. And it appears that this second journey will take a much longer time than the first. THOMAS: That was some long drive! Im certainly not going to try it again. JONATHAN: Well, theres always a first time. I guess well be better off taking the train in the future. TOM: Yes, were definitely going to do that next time. But you know, Jon, while we were approaching our final service station stop, an unusual thought came to my mind, and it has been troubling me quite a bit ever since. JON: Tell me about it.

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TOM: At first, I was murmuring to myself about this seemingly endless journey and wondering when it would ever end. Then, suddenly, I thought about the time when you told me that our life in this world is just like a journey with a beginning and an ending. Now that is one journey Im not keen on ending so soon! JON: Is that whats troubling you the ending of lifes journey? TOM: Yes. But more than that, I was also thinking about the purpose of our existence and the ultimate end of all life. You see, when we finally arrived in London, our journey ended and our purpose for the past eight hours of traveling was achieved. But Im not so sure I know

what my purpose in lifes journey is. And when I finally reach the end of my life, will I have achieved this purpose? I was wondering, what is the chief goal in life? What What is the chief end of man? JON: Well Tom, Im both surprised and pleased that youve asked this vital question. At least, it shows that youre on the right track. But I also must tell you that your question is a very profound one -- one that will inevitably lead to many more questions. In fact, it would seem like were about to embark on yet another lengthy journey, a journey with lasting consequences. TOM: I didnt really expect my question to be that important. But please, carry on. JON: Mans chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.
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TOM: Hmmmyour answer is even more unexpected. Now I get what you meant when you said that my first question would lead to many more. In fact, I already have a couple of questions waiting for you! JON: Im sure you do, but first allow me to explain to you what I mean. TOM: Go ahead. JON: The purpose for mans existence is not actually found in man himself. If that were the case, my answer would have been something like, Mans chief end is to glorify himself and to enjoy himself for as long as he lives. Instead, the purpose of our existence is found in God, who created us. We can achieve our chief end, which is to glorify and enjoy Him, only when our lives are God-centered and not man-centered. TOM: Wait a minute; youre assuming that there is a God and that He created you for the purpose of glorifying and enjoying Him. In other words, this God youre talking

about made everything in this entire universe, including man, and man can fulfill his chief end in life only if he glorifies and enjoys Him. JON: Yes, thats right. Now I want you to assume that Im right for the time being until I can show you more clearly the reason for my answer. TOM: Assuming that youre right for the moment, tell me, what does it mean to glorify God?
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JON: To glorify God is to reflect and to display to others the glory of God through our lives. It is to exalt His name in the world and magnify Him in the eyes of others. For example, if I say or do something that insults and dishonours Him, Im not bringing Him glory. But if I speak the truth about God and do everything possible in my life to please God, then I will bring glory to Him. By believing in Him, obeying His commandments, and praising Him for who He is and for what He has done, I will glorify Him. A lot more can be said about glorifying God, but I think you get the idea.2 TOM: Hmm. I think so. How about enjoying God? JON: Enjoying God can come only when we actively glorify Him. We enjoy Him by coming into His presence, listening to Him speak to us through His Word, speaking to Him in prayer, walking according to His Word, worshipping Him together with other Christians, and continuing in this close and happy relationship with Him throughout our lives.3 TOM: It seems as if enjoying God is something only you Christians can do. JON: Thats right! And thats because only Christians can bring glory to God in their lives. Non-Christians, while they are still without Christ, can never do anything to glorify God and consequently can never enjoy Him.

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TOM: Earlier you mentioned that mans chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. Tell me more about the implications of the word forever. JON: Well, to a Christian, the end of lifes journey on earth doesnt mark the end of his existence. In fact, physical death is just the stepping-stone to a far better life in the immediate presence of God. To be sure, a nonChristian continues to exist even after death too, but his condition will be infinitely different from that of a Christian. You see, in eternity a Christian continues to fulfill his chief end. After all, there can be no end to glorifying the infinitely glorious God. And there will be no end to enjoying His wonderful presence! TOM: We started off by talking about the chief aim and purpose for living. I must admit that you seem to know what youre talking about, even though you havent as yet proven anything. I must remind you that youll still need to show me that God exists and that this God indeed created man to glorify and enjoy Him forever. JON: Well, Ill be most happy to do so, but I think its getting late and were both pretty tired. Lets continue this interesting conversation tomorrow. TOM: I look forward to that. Good night, Jon. JON: Good night, Tom.