Glad Tidings International Ministries
At the dawn of creation, God articulated humanity’s foundational purpose with profound clarity: “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). This divine declaration reveals that humans are unique among all creation, bearing the imprint of God’s own nature and designed for a special relationship with Him.
The primary purpose of man extends beyond mere existence or achievement. King David, contemplating this truth, wrote, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:4-5). This elevated position carries significant responsibilities and purposes.
Worship and Fellowship with God Our foremost purpose is to know and worship God. Jesus emphasized this in John 4:23-24: “True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” This intimate fellowship with God isn’t just a religious duty but the very essence of our being, as expressed in Acts 17:28: “In Him we live and move and have our being.”
Stewardship and Dominion Genesis 1:28 outlines another key purpose: “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion…” This mandate involves responsible stewardship of God’s creation, using our abilities and resources to develop and manage the world in ways that honor Him.
Building God’s Kingdom Jesus expanded our understanding of purpose through the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This shows that our purpose includes participating in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Personal Growth and Transformation We’re called to continual growth and transformation: “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18). This process of becoming more Christ-like fulfills part of our created purpose.
Service to Others The apostle Peter writes, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). Our purpose includes using our unique gifts and abilities to serve others and build up the body of Christ.
Understanding these aspects of human purpose brings several practical implications:
- Meaning Beyond Achievement: True fulfillment comes not from worldly success but from living in alignment with God’s purposes.
- Dignity and Value: Each person has inherent worth as a bearer of God’s image, regardless of abilities or circumstances.
- Eternal Perspective: Our daily choices and actions have significance beyond their immediate impact, contributing to eternal purposes.
- Relational Priority: Meaningful relationships with God and others are central to our purpose, not peripheral to it.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism captures this succinctly: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This enjoyment isn’t mere pleasure but deep satisfaction in fulfilling our created purpose. As we align our lives with these divine purposes, we experience what Paul describes in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
In a world often confused about human purpose and identity, this biblical understanding provides clear direction and meaning. It shows that we’re not cosmic accidents but intentionally created beings with divine purpose. This purpose encompasses worship, stewardship, service, and transformation – all ultimately directed toward glorifying God and enjoying eternal fellowship with Him.
