September 18
Freedom For …
You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being. ––Revelation 4:11
For the glory of God is a living man; and the life of man consists in beholding God. ––Against Heresies (Book IV, Chapter 20, Section 7), St. Irenaeus
I always enjoyed the show, “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” hosted by Jeff Foxworthy (and later by John Cena). The premise is simple: Can adults compete with fifth graders on basic trivia questions? It was both funny and humbling to try to guess the answers—most of which I “thought” I knew, but turns out, not as much as I’d have liked. I think it’s true that when we become adults, we start assuming we know more than children do about basic things. Here’s a question I’d pose to contestants on my own show—let’s call it “Are You Spiritually Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader?”:
Why did God create you?
Seems like an easy question, right? At least for me, however, not so much—especially after I became a Christian in my late teens. I think at that time I would have said that the reason I was created was to tell others about Jesus and serve God. Not wrong—just not the entire answer. The question is posed in what is called the Westminster Shorter Catechism, which was a more simplified form of the Longer Catechism (a catechism being a structured summary of religious doctrine used for instruction). The shorter version is meant for children and new converts, and poses:
“What is the chief end of man?”
“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”
Though the Westminster Shorter Catechism was written nearly 400 years ago, it is still used in many churches today, including branches and streams of the Reformed movement, Presbyterians, Reformed Baptists, and others. Though we don’t have the room to do a deeper dive into the multiple types of “catechisms” and creeds out there (including the Apostles Creed or the Nicene Creed) suffice to say that all biblically sound denominations answer the question of why man was created in a similar way.
First and foremost, then, we were created to glorify God (adore and worship Him). Which brings us to the title of today’s reading: We have been given spiritual freedom FOR the purpose of glorifying the Father and FOR the benefit of telling others of His glory. The entire New Testament can be summed up in the fact that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV). He first loves us, and we respond to His glorious offer by receiving His Son.
Man of God, you were not created to suffer; you were not placed on this earth to simply endure until Jesus comes back. You were created to glorify and enjoy the One who created you. So simple, even a fifth grader can grasp it—right? But also so powerful that it sometimes overwhelms us. Don’t over-complicate your purpose on earth—You were created for a very specific, glorious purpose.
As a closing exercise, I’d encourage you to read out loud the Lord’s Prayer. I’ve written about it before, but simply encourage you today to focus on God’s glory woven throughout it.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. ––Matthew 6:9-13, KJV
Lord, thank You for creating me so I might glorify You and enjoy You forever. What a great thought! Help me focus today on seeing Your glory in the world, in my life, and in the way You care for and love me.