Why do we exist?

Why did God create humanity? The answer should be part of every person’s mission in life. Simply stated, the Bible says that humans were created by God to bring Him glory.

(Isaiah 43:7)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Isaiah makes quite a point here. You exist not to become a ruler, nor to become rich, or even to achieve great things. You exist to bring God glory! If that is humanity’s mission statement, how does humanity bring glory to its Creator? When we glorify someone, it usually involves highlighting their positive qualities, achievements, and contributions. This, of course, places a burden on us to both know them and observe them in action. We should show outward signs of admiration, respect, and even awe. Through our actions, others should take inspiration from the very faith we have, thus motivating others to strive for greatness in their pursuits.

What then makes our mission in life to learn how to glorify God? The process must begin by honoring and serving God with our lives and decisions. The ability to do this starts in the heart.

(1 Samuel 12:24) – “But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.”

Because we were created with “free will,” we are unable to glorify God. Sin separates us from Him. Because of God’s love for His creation, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice. We can now have a relationship with our Creator; we have been reconciled! Sin no longer exists as a barrier to our ability to worship God and bring God glory if we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

(2 Corinthians 3:1–6) – ”Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you? You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such confidence we have through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we have been created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27). When we live submitted to Christ, we are then enabled. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18). He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. Therefore, it is through God’s efforts, not ours, that we have been reconciled to Him for eternity. Only then can we worship Him with gladness and thanksgiving and acknowledge that He is our Creator. (Psalm 100:2–4). What should a reconciled life look like?

Here are some of the responsibilities that exist for humanity (1 Chronicles 16:17–36):

• Connection to God: We must have a strong and meaningful connection with God that is maintained and nurtured through prayer, meditation, worship, and contemplation (Matthew 22:37; John 15:4-5).
• Our Behavior: We must practice virtues such as love, compassion, humility, patience, kindness, and honesty. These Godly virtues should guide our interactions with others and shape our character (1 Corinthians 13:4–7; Colossians 3:12).
• Ethics: We must have a moral code that aligns with the teachings of the Scriptures. This includes treating others with respect, avoiding harm, and making ethical choices (Joshua 1:8; Matthew 7:24–27).
• Humble Servant: We must serve others and be generous to those in need. Our lives should include acts of charity, volunteering, and helping those less fortunate (Deuteronomy 15:11; 1 John 3:17–18).
• Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Forgiveness and reconciliation must be present in our relationships with others (Matthew 6:14–15; Colossians 3:13).
• Self-Discipline: We must both practice and administer self-control, managing our desires and impulses. Our lives should be an example of moderation, separating needs from wants. (Galatians 5:22–23; Titus 2:11–12).
• Integrity: We must stay true to God’s expectations for us in the face of challenges or temptations, living God’s Truth each day (1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:12).
• Education: We must have a commitment to ongoing learning, personal growth, and spiritual development demonstrated by studying the Bible, attending worship services, and seeking guidance from spiritual leaders (Proverbs 2:1–5; Hebrews 10:24–25).
• Inner Peace: There should be a feeling of inner peace and contentment that comes from practicing mindfulness, meditation, and a sense of gratitude for our salvation in our lives (Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 3:15).

(Isaiah 55:8-9) – “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts [HIGHER] than your thoughts.”

Humanity is NOT in charge of this world! It cannot make the seas stop rising or the storms subside with windmills. Humanity cannot create life; it can only destroy it. It is God’s world, and for every worldly decision and action, humanity must take God’s Truth into account. While stewardship of God’s resources benefits us all, our world belongs to God.

After a period of living a life of self-indulgence, King Solomon concluded that living for oneself was useless. The ultimate purpose of man was to live a life of obedience to God (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). He further concludes, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The Apostle Paul goes on to add, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

(Proverbs 19:21) – “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Contemplations

• What do you think the difference is between two persons, one who exists for the glory of God and one who exists for the glory of self?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are there outward differences? What happens when they exist only for themselves? Can they ever have true inner peace without humility and the fear of God?
• When people see you living in this world with all its issues and troubles, do they see that you have chosen to live your life for the glory of God?
  • Ideas to Explore: Your outward life models your inward life. Do people know you love God? Do your choices in life reflect those that would be pleasing to God?
• Would God approve of your social media “history?” In other words, when God reads your posts and tweets, does He see you bringing Him glory or yourself glory?
  • Ideas to Explore: How you communicate with the world displays your faith. Is there consistency in your life choices that brings God glory in how you communicate with others? Is your life a witness to those around you, bringing them closer to God?
• In 2 Timothy 4:8, the Apostle Paul talks about each of us earning a crown. John in Revelations 4:10 talks about how we give that crown back to God as our final eternal offering. How do you interpret the metaphor?
  • Ideas to Explore: What is the earthly crown comprised of? How did we earn it? Why are we giving it back to God?