Why are we here?

This question comes in many flavors: What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? What am I supposed to do? All of these share a core theme and many people believe there is no answer to this question or that it’s something we are supposed to define for ourselves through our lives.

But there is an answer to the meaning of life and it is found in the Bible. The answer is most easily understood and memorized by the phrasing used in the Westminster Shorter Catechism:

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

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God,[1] and to enjoy him forever.[2]

Yes, I know, we could spend the rest of our lives discussing *how* to go about glorifying him and enjoying him forever, and I look forward to that task – for that is the type of healthy discussion and introspection that each of us as brothers and sisters in Christ should be pursuing.

My hope and prayer, especially to all who read this who have a “fear of witnessing” that you would consider the following thought: Observe how many times the theme of the meaning of life comes up in casual conversation. It’s always there somewhere because it’s the driving force behind why people do what they do. How great would it be that you could speak up and say “Hey, it says in the Bible that the reason we are here is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. I’m not sure exactly what that looks like, but that’s what God and I are working out right now.”

So, for today, I leave you to enjoy the rest of the year with a renewed sense of purpose and an encouragement to speak the simple truths of God to your friends and neighbors.

Merry Christmas!