Life is strange, isn’t it? We live such varied lives. Some rich, some poor. Some sick, some well. Our talents and giftedness run the gamut. We have good days and bad days and just can’t wait till its over days, and some days we will forever treasure. But sooner or later, I have a suspicion…we all ask the question, “Why am I️ here?”
For this lost world, it has to be quite perplexing…not having eternal hope to set eyes upon. People gather up toys and are consumed with meaningless toils. It’s no wonder they take up selfish endeavors. They live for themselves and complain all the while that they don’t have it as good as the neighbor next door.
And quite honestly, as believers, we can fall into the same trap if we do not keep a heavenly perspective. If our eyes are downcast instead of fixed on eternity, we can lose sight of God’s purpose for us.
We exist to give God glory.
But what does that mean? Let’s back up a step and define God’s glory. God’s glory: the visible manifestation of the excellence of God’s character. It is revealed to us because He has opened our eyes and given us a new heart.
God’s glory is something that belongs to Him alone and is the appropriate outward expression of his excellence. David says,
“Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!” Ps 24:10
In the New Testament, we see God’s glory connected with the birth of Jesus and the transfiguration of Christ. We also see it used to describe the heavenly city yet to come.
“And the city does not need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” Rev 21:23
The glory of the Lord is so magnificent, so bright, and so amazing that we are not fully able to gaze upon it. For as we behold it in part, it brings forth great delight and deep awe.
During our time here on planet earth, our view will be limited. We will often ask the question, “Why am I️ here?” It’s probably a good thing to keep that in mind. We cannot always see how in the world God will work things together for our good. Nor do we always have the answers to life’s dilemmas. Furthermore, we won’t be able to figure everything out or determine what God’s purpose was in it. But oh, let me say this: all of this mess here on earth, the muck and the yuck…it aids us in seeing the goodness, the brightness, the vastness, and the joy of God’s glory. The contrast is magnificent.
If we never experienced the ugly, would we ever appreciate the depths of God’s glory?
We exist to bring God glory. That is why we are here. We can stop asking the question, “Why am I️ here?” We have a new-found purpose. To become participators with Jesus in reaching the lost, serving the needy, loving the unlovely, and letting our lights shine. Those who truly love the Lord are different…you can see it in their eyes. They love others as themselves. And they deeply desire for others to know Jesus. Also, they are troubled by the sinfulness of this world.
If we are not here living for Him, then why are we living?
God has created us for His glory and to bring Him glory. Paul tells us that even now we are being “changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another” (2 Cor 3:18). There is a beauty, a splendor, a brightness about a person who deeply loves God because it becomes evident to everyone around them. The glory of God comes shining through.
Some of the most beautiful people I know have traveled the ugliest journeys.
How is your light shining? Is it evident to those around you? Can you answer the question, “Why am I️ here?”
Wow, what a beautiful article about God’s glory! 🙂 I wile ago I wrote an article in response to a book of John Piper: Desiring God.
Part one is placed on a blog site but I’m busy translating my articles about the subject of faith.
God bless you!
He only wants to have fellowship with us – and to use us for His honor, praise, and for His glory
Hello,
In short, the answer to that age old question. Why are we here in the flesh in this age? Quite simply put, to prove that we cannot do it without God.
I am here to give God glory. Changes perspective on what is important in my life. I love the idea of the ugly journey is necessary to make us beautiful. I love how he changes my ashes for His beauty.
Really love this post! It’s so true-we don’t live for ourselves, but for God. And this fact makes life so valuable. Thanks for sharing 🙂
BEAUTIFUL message for today! I’ve been struggling with this myself lately and this was a great read. 🙂
I’m always shocked at the amount of people who look for a reason (or point to life) that is bigger than God. They want a purpose outside of Him when really our purpose is magnified when we live in alignment with Him!