Westminster Shorter Catechism Question #1
“The Older I grow – and I now stand upon the brink of eternity – the more comes back to me the first sentence in the Catechism which I learned as a child, and the fuller and deeper its meaning becomes: What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.”
William Beveridge (1904)
My own faith in Christ started when I was about 20 years old. I don’t remember when I first found this question of the catechism, but I remember a girl asking me at a party, when I was about 22 years old, “Arnie, what is your goal in life?” I answered immediately, “To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” She said, “no, that is a cop out, I want to know your real goal or goals?” I said, “that is my real goal.” “It is not only my goal, but also my daily desire.”
I remember convincing this young lady, I really wanted to “glorify God!” Now, desiring and doing are two different things. I know I have failed on the way. But as I write this many years later, now a pastor, I can say this is still my goal and my exciting HIGH CALLING! I will not change. I trust God will forgive my failings-1 John 1:9. I pray He enables and inspires my efforts-Philippians 2:13. I can tell all you who are reading this; nothing is more exciting! I have had many trials, but I have never been bored, not since making God and His glory my calling.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)
Pastor Arnold Brevick (website author)