“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
(Genesis 1:26)
When God made man in His own image, He set humanity apart from every other creature in that man was endowed with faculties capable of reflecting God’s character and fulfilling a unique role in the created order. But the fullness of God’s purpose for humanity is much greater than that.
The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. This end surpasses every other aim of life. While humanity was given dominion over the creatures of the earth, that authority was not the ultimate purpose for which man was made. Dominion was an inferior end—an assignment entrusted to mankind so that he might wisely govern and steward the works of God’s hands.
The chief end includes much more, in that humanity was created to manifest the glory of God and to live in communion with Him. The dominion granted in creation was meant to serve this greater purpose. By governing the earth wisely and gratefully, humanity was to reflect the wisdom and goodness of the Creator whose image he bore.[1]
The tragedy of sin, however, has clouded this purpose in many lives. Instead of pursuing the glory of God, countless people devote themselves entirely to inferior ends. Some pursue pleasure as their highest good. Others devote themselves to wealth, power, or recognition. When such pursuits become the ultimate aim of life, the soul forgets its true purpose. Scripture describes such a condition as those who live only for earthly satisfaction are dead while they live.
To glorify God means displaying it through a life that reflects His character. Praise offered sincerely and obedience practiced faithfully both serve this purpose.
The enjoyment of God, which stands alongside His glory as humanity’s chief end, is the blessed state of fellowship with Him. But such enjoyment cannot exist apart from holiness. Scripture makes it clear that without holiness no one shall see the Lord. Those who hope to enjoy God forever must begin even now to live in a way that reflects His character.
Because God is the Creator, Owner, and Benefactor of humanity, it is right that every part of life should be directed toward Him and the ultimate purpose of our lives must be to return to Him. For all things are from Him, through Him, and to Him.
Among all earthly creatures, only man was given the capacity to know God consciously, praise Him intelligently, and enjoy Him eternally. Even death cannot destroy this capacity; rather, it becomes the passage through which the faithful are brought into fuller communion with their Creator.
These truths call every believer to a life of ordered devotion. The heart must be directed above every lesser aim toward the glory of God and the enjoyment of His presence. In doing so, the purpose for which humanity was created begins to be fulfilled.
Contemplations:
- Asking that my life would aim at Your glory. Lord, I come before You acknowledging that You created me in Your image for the purpose of glorifying You. Yet I confess that my life is often divided between many competing goals. I ask that You reorder my desires so that Your glory becomes the governing purpose of everything I do. Let every thought, word, and action be directed toward honoring You.
- Seeking grace to turn from inferior pursuits. Father, I see how easily my heart clings to lesser things—comfort, recognition, and other temporary pleasures. These pursuits often distract me from the purpose for which I was made. I ask that You loosen my grip on these inferior ends and turn my affections toward what is eternal. Help me value Your glory above everything else.
- Praying for a deeper enjoyment of Your presence. Lord, You not only command that I glorify You, You also invite me to enjoy You. Help me learn to delight in You more deeply. Teach me seek Your presence in prayer, worship, and meditation on Your Word. And let my joy be found in knowing You rather than in the temporal satisfactions of this world.
- Requesting a heart that chooses holiness. God, I know that enjoyment of You is directly related to holiness of life. So I ask that You strengthen me to walk daily in Your presence. Guard me from the habits and choices that dull my devotion. And form within me a life that reflects Your character so that my pursuit of You remains sincere and steadfast.
Prayer (Supplication)
Creator and Lord of all, You formed humanity in Your image and appointed us for the great purpose of glorifying and enjoying You. I ask You to plant this truth deep in my heart so that it governs every part of my life.
Direct my thoughts and desires toward the purpose for which You created me. The pressures of daily life, the attractions of earthly comforts, and the pursuit of personal success easily draw my attention away from You. I ask that You correct my wandering heart and bring my focus back to Your glory.
Teach me to live as one who remembers that every ability and opportunity comes from Your hand. Guard me from the pride that claims credit for what You have given. Instead, let my life continually acknowledge that all things come from You and are meant to return to You in praise.
I ask that You give me wisdom in the responsibilities You have given me within this world. Just as humanity was given dominion over the works of Your hands, help me use the resources and opportunities of life with humility and gratitude. Let my stewardship reflect the character of the God whose image I bear.
Grant me grace to turn away from the false aims that compete with my true purpose. When pleasure, wealth, or recognition tempt me to make them my chief end, remind me that these things cannot satisfy the soul and strengthen me to choose what leads to Your glory instead.
Above all, deepen my desire to know and enjoy You. Let my heart find its greatest satisfaction in Your presence. Draw me into closer fellowship with You through prayer, through Your Word, and through a life of obedience. May my joy increasingly rest in You, until the day when faith gives way to sight and I behold You in the fullness of Your glory.
Keep me mindful that the purpose of my existence is not for self but the honor of Your name. Shape my life so that every step moves toward that end. And when this life is finished, bring me into the everlasting enjoyment of Your presence, where the glory for which I was created will be perfectly fulfilled.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Gen. 1:26:
James 3:9; Psalm 100:3; Acts 17:28; Job 33:4
[1] John Flavel, An Exposition of the Assemblies, (London: Printed for Tho. Cockerill, 1692), 1–3.
