The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with this question: What is the chief end of man? Its answer: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.” In other words, you were made to know God, honour him in everything and find your deepest joy in him. Everything else, including work, family and success, finds its meaning from that.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31
Why am I here? It is the question under every exam result, every job interview and every funeral. Four centuries ago a group of Christian leaders wrote a short catechism with this question at the very start, and their one-sentence answer is still memorised by Presbyterians today.
Where the Question Comes From
The Westminster Shorter Catechism is a set of 107 questions and answers written in the 1640s alongside the Westminster Confession of Faith, to teach the basics of the Christian faith. The PCEA holds the Westminster standards, which is why this question belongs to its heritage. The first answer is probably the most quoted line in all of Presbyterian teaching.
“To Glorify God”
To glorify God is to show how great and good he is, in what we say, think and do. Paul puts it in everyday terms: “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). This is not only for pastors. A mechanic who works honestly, a mother who raises her children in love and a student who studies with integrity are all glorifying God. Our article on the dignity of work says more about this.
“And to Enjoy Him For Ever”
Notice that the answer does not say “to obey him grimly.” It says enjoy. The psalmist cries, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you” (Psalm 73:25). “In your presence there is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). The God we glorify is not a distant boss; he is the source of the deepest joy a person can know.
The two halves belong together. Glorifying God without enjoying him becomes cold duty. Enjoying him without glorifying him becomes selfishness.
How Do We Know How to Do This?
The Catechism’s second question asks exactly that, and answers: through the Word of God, the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. That is why Presbyterians read the Bible, preach from it and teach it to their children.
What This Changes on Monday Morning
- Success is redefined. It is not first about money or status but about faithfulness. See Redefining Success.
- Ordinary work matters. Nothing done for God is small.
- Rest and worship matter. Enjoying God needs time with him, not only service for him.
- Failure is not final. Your purpose does not depend on your results, because it was given by God.
If you feel you have no purpose, begin here: you were made to know God. The rest follows from that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chief end of man?
According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, it is to glorify God and enjoy him for ever.
What is the Westminster Shorter Catechism?
A teaching document of 107 questions and answers written in the 1640s to summarise Christian belief, widely used in Presbyterian churches.
Does “enjoy God” mean we should always feel happy?
No. It means finding our deepest satisfaction in knowing God, even in hard seasons (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
Is this purpose only for church workers?
No. It applies to every Christian in every part of life.
Final Thoughts
You were not made by accident, and you were not made for nothing. You were made for God. Begin today by doing one ordinary thing, from breakfast to the last task of the day, for his glory, and then take a moment to simply enjoy him.
General doctrinal content (1 Corinthians 10; Psalm 16, 73; Habakkuk 3). Catechism wording is from the Westminster Shorter Catechism (1640s). Checked against the PCEA doctrine standard (Westminster standards). Compiled by the Editorial Desk.