The reason for everything

We are not just created by God, but for him too. The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God. Without his glory, there would be nothing. The glory of God is who he is, his nature, his character and his power. His glory is everywhere around us. Everything created by God reflects his glory in some way. Creation reveals our Creator's glory. Through nature we learn that God is powerful, that he enjoys variety, loves beauty and is organised, wise and creative. The Bible says, "The heavens declare the glory of God" Psalm 19:1. Throughout history, God has revealed his glory to people in different settings, but God's clearest picture of what he is really like is seen in his son, Jesus Christ, "The Son reflects the glory of God and shows exactly what God is like" Hebrews 1:3. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." John 8:12, and because of this, we are no longer in the dark about what God is really like. Jesus' presence on earth has allowed us so many insights into God, "The Word became human and lived among us and we saw his glory...a glory full of grace and truth." John 1:14. As humans created by God we are commanded to recognise God's glory, honour his glory, praise his glory, reflect his glory and live for his glory. God deserves this so much and we owe him every honour we can possibly give. Only 2 of God's creations in the whole universe fail to bring glory to him: fallen angels and us. Not giving God his due glory is sin, in fact all sin at its root is failing to give God the glory he deserves. Refusing to bring glory to God is prideful rebellion and it is the sin that caused Satan's fall, and ours too. We are all guilty of having lived for our own glory instead of God's, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23. This is the worst sin and the biggest mistake we can commit, whereas living for God's glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish in our lives. God says, "They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory." Isaiah 43:7. Jesus honoured God by fulfilling his purpose on earth. When anything in creation fulfils its purpose it brings glory to God. There are 5 ways how to fulfil God's purposes for your life:

1. Bring glory to God by getting to know and love him.

2. Bring God glory by learning to love other people in God's family

3. Bring God glory by becoming like Christ

4. Bring God glory by serving others

5. Bring God glory by telling others about him