The minister would say his purpose is to preach and to serve the congregation. The surgeon would say his purpose is to ease pain and bring healing to those afflicted with various conditions. The lawyer would say his purpose is to ensure the court proceedings functions according to law and the Constitution. The chef would say his purpose is to produce the tastiest meal for the next round of guests. The construction worker would say his purpose is to construct the newest building or the newest highway. The mother would say her purpose is to provide care for and teach her children.

All of these things sound wonderful. But what if I told you that all of those good explanations that people might offer for their purpose in life are wrong? What if I told you all of these responses are in alignment with what most people would think, not God’s expectations?

These conceptions of appropriate behavior in society are inferior to the real purpose of life for all of us as Christians!

Your response to me would be to challenge what I’m going to say next. In your response you would say all of these things are necessary and therefore a higher purpose in life. All of these things and more that have been previously mentioned are what help our community to stay on course.

Again, I say that you are wrong. I will agree with you that these functions are good and proper. I will agree with you that such things are necessary.

However, there is something far more important than what the general public concludes as the highest purpose in life. Our problem is that we tend to malfunction in our priorities. What I am about to share with you AS THE HIGHEST PURPOSE IN LIFE is what gives authority to living among others. It justifies our blessedness for what we are doing on this planet. It is what validates all we do whether it be as a minister or gas station attendant.

The passage in 1 Peter 4:11 says, “for God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to him be praise and dominion forever and ever.” The question for us is about our daily life and whether or not we glorify God through what we do and how we do it. We may be the best in our trade, our children may call us the best parents, but in all of the best that we are may not first glorify God above our position each day. To put it briefly, our first duty is to glorify God in all we do and always say. So, our purpose in life is not to have that particular job. Our purpose in life is not to do something that people admire. Our purpose in life is to glorify God. Every step we take, every word we say, every decision we make, every relationship we have, do these things glorify God above them?

By glorifying God, we are able to have a joy and peace in the midst of suffering. As we glorify God, we are able to resist depression and discouragement. This is why the apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:13 he could do all things through Christ that strengthened him. Paul suffered throughout his ministry in so many ways, yet he endured it because he put the responsibility of glorifying God above his misery. So should we put the practice of glorifying God in our lives above every other person, possession, career, and plans. If we routinely glorify God, everything else will fall in place.