Not knowing what to do makes me quite nervous. If it is a game, social situation, or some assignment, I need to know what I am supposed to do or anxiety takes over. To avoid the anxiety I give up or do something else or just go about it my own way with my own rules.  

What is the true purpose of our existence? In the hustle of modern life, a question often nags at our conscience: What is the true purpose of our existence? We chase success defined by worldly standards—higher salaries, prestigious titles, larger homes, or more social media followers. Yet, in moments of quiet reflection, we wonder: Is this all there is to life? Are we playing by the right rules? Is there something else we are supposed to be doing? Are we pursuing the real goal.

Today, we turn to the timeless wisdom of Scripture and the rich history of Christian theology to explore a perspective that challenges our modern notions of success and fulfillment. This historic Christian view suggests that the highest purpose of human existence is twofold:

1. To glorify God in all that we do
2. To find our deepest joy and satisfaction in him.

These twin purposes are not separate paths, but rather two sides of the same coin. As we delve into God’s Word and the insights of those who have gone before us, we’ll discover how this understanding can transform our lives, bringing clarity to our confusion, purpose to our pursuits, and joy to our journeys.

So let us open our Bibles, our hearts and our minds as we explore what it truly means to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. In doing so, we may find the answer to life’s most profound question and the key to authentic, lasting fulfillment here and in eternity.

Why Enjoying God IS Humanity’s Purpose

At the heart of Christian theology is the belief that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This foundational truth imparts inherent dignity and purpose to every individual. To glorify and enjoy God aligns with this divine design, fulfilling our deepest nature and highest calling.

God created humans for His glory and to live in a relationship with Him. This relationship is not merely functional but is the source of true joy and fulfillment. As Augustine famously said, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” To seek our highest end in anything other than God is to settle for lesser goods, which ultimately leave us unfulfilled.

The Scriptures reveal our God given purpose to pursue God. First, we see that w should desire and enjoy God because we are created in God’s Image: Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This underscores the inherent value and purpose embedded in human nature.

This also reveals our purpose. Being made in God’s image means we are designed to reflect His character and glory. The Psalms are replete with calls to glorify God. Psalm 29:2 exhorts, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness.” Similarly, Isaiah 43:7 emphasizes that God created us for His glory: “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

As we pursue our ultimate purpose, we will discover ultimate fulfillment in God. Psalm 16:11 declares, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” This highlights that true joy is found in God’s presence. Jesus reiterates this in John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

We are all too familiar with the restlessness that dominates us when God is not our chief purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:11 reflects on the human condition, stating, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” This suggests that our hearts are designed for eternity, and only in God can we find our true rest and satisfaction.

Augustine captures the essence of this theological perspective in his Confessions, where he writes, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” This echoes the biblical truth that our ultimate purpose and fulfillment are found in God alone. When we seek our highest end in anything other than God—whether it be wealth, power, or pleasure—we settle for lesser goods that ultimately leave us unfulfilled and restless.

By understanding and embracing our divine design, we align our lives with our Creator’s purpose, leading to true joy and flourishing. This alignment is not only theologically sound but also practically relevant in our modern quest for meaning and fulfillment. This is why the Bible repeatedly emphasizes the purpose of humanity to glorify and enjoy God:

• Glorifying God: “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36).
• Enjoying God: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

These verses reveal that both glorifying and enjoying God are intertwined and essential aspects of our existence. To glorify God is to recognize His supreme worth and to reflect His character in our lives, while enjoying God involves finding our ultimate delight and satisfaction in Him.

Fulfillment Beyond the Temporary

In a culture that often equates success with material wealth or personal achievements, the call to glorify and enjoy God offers a counter-narrative. True fulfillment is not found in the accumulation of goods or accolades but in a life oriented towards God. This perspective provides a stable foundation for our identity and purpose, unaffected by the fluctuating standards of the world.

Glorifying God means recognizing and honoring the divine in all aspects of life. This isn’t limited to religious practices but extends to how we conduct ourselves in our daily lives, our relationships, and our work. In our modern world, this could translate to:

• Striving for excellence in our chosen fields, viewing our work as a way to express our talents and contribute positively to society. This aligns with Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
• Treating others with respect and kindness, recognizing the inherent worth of every individual. This reflects Matthew 22:39: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
• Being good stewards of the environment, acknowledging our responsibility to care for the planet. This connects to Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”
• Pursuing justice and equality, working towards a fairer world for all. This embodies Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

By living with integrity, compassion, and purpose, we reflect qualities traditionally associated with the divine, thus “glorifying God” through our actions.

Fully enjoying God speaks to finding ultimate satisfaction and joy in a relationship with the divine. Scriptural support includes:

• Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
• Psalm 73:25-26: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

In contemporary terms, we might interpret this as:

• Cultivating a sense of awe and wonder at the universe and our place in it, reflecting Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
• Developing a deep sense of gratitude for life and its experiences, embodying 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
• Finding purpose beyond our immediate desires, connecting to something greater than ourselves, as expressed in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
• Experiencing profound peace and contentment that transcends circumstances, as promised in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This “enjoyment” isn’t about fleeting pleasures, but a lasting sense of fulfillment and meaning that sustains us through life’s ups and downs.

How Can I Enjoy God Today?

These concepts speak to universal human longings for purpose, meaning, and lasting happiness. In our modern context, where mental health challenges, existential anxiety, and a sense of disconnection are prevalent, this perspective offers:

• A shift from self-centered to other-centered living, echoing Jesus’ teachings in Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
• A source of meaning beyond material success, reflecting Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
• A framework for ethical decision-making, guided by principles such as those found in Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”
• A path to lasting contentment rather than fleeting satisfaction, as promised in John 10:10: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Even for those who don’t subscribe to traditional religious beliefs, the core ideas – living with purpose, contributing positively to the world, and finding joy in something beyond oneself – remain deeply relevant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the essence of this “chief and highest end” speaks to our contemporary search for a life well-lived. It challenges us to look beyond immediate gratification and personal gain, encouraging a life of purpose, integrity, and lasting fulfillment. This timeless wisdom offers a compelling vision for meaningful living in our modern world.