BECOMING CONSUMED WITH THE GLORY OF GOD

The old chatechism begins, "What is the chief end of man?" The correct answer is, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." I am not normally one to argue with a chatechism, considering that it was written by scholars far wiser and more careful than I. However, I humbly submit a variation on the Westminster Chatechism that works better for me:

My answer is, "The chief end of man is the glory of God." We do not exist primarily to "do" what will glorify God, but to be consumed by the very glory itself! I submit that God calls us to become enamored with His glory! Not a VISION of it (only). Not the CONCEPT of it (only). Not a DOCTRINE of it (only). Not the EXPERIENCE of it (only). Not even a MEDITATION upon it (only). But we are called to FOCUS ON JESUS (only!). He is the One in Whom we behold the glory of God. It's all about Jesus.

And so, like Moses, I say, "Now show me Your glory." Like the shepherds, I am surrounded by His glory. Like John, I say, "we beheld His glory, glory as the one and only Son of the Father." Like Paul, I am changed from glory to glory.

When I am consumed by the glory of God, I reflect the Gospel in all of my life (TRUTH). I live a life of prayer in communion with Him (PIETY). I publicly declare His glory in word and symbol (LITURGY). I know Him in His suffering, and resurrection (EXPERIENCE). I take on His character and imitate His values (ACTIONS).

When my will is gone, and my highest--and only--thought is for His glory--not for my safety or happiness, not my reputation or finances, not my career or friends or anything about my short time on earth, only the glory of God--then I have become consumed with His glory. Consumed with the cross. See it. Take it. Consumed with the current exalted position of Christ at the right hand of the Father. See it. Proclaim it. Consumed with His teachings. hear them. Live them. Consumed with the glory of God, which no man can see and live to tell.

"LORD, as a moth is inexorably drawn to a candle's flame, to be consumed by the very thing it wants, may I become consumed by my heart's greatest sole desire. You are my only true goal. Your glory. Nothing less will do, Father, Son and Spirit, eternal God, one without end. Amen."
-ker