What is meant, by the CHIEF END of man?
The CHIEF END of man is,
• That which men and women ought to have as the most important goal in their lives, their highest desire, their greatest objective, and their most valuable endeavor in life.
• It is their most superior good and greatest happiness.
• This is the ultimate and highest goal upon which their lives and actions should be referred and directed; which is the GLORIFYING OF GOD, and THE ENJOYING OF GOD forever.
Can men and women have no other CHIEF END than the GLORIFYING and ENJOYING OF GOD?
• Men and women should not have ANOTHER CHIEF END than the GLORIFYING OF GOD, but they may have SUBORDINATE ENDS. For —
A. Men and women ought to be diligent in their particular lifework and callings, for this end, that they may provide for themselves and their families.
“To make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
B. Men and women may eat, and drink, and sleep, for this end, that they may nourish and refresh their bodies. It is lawful to design, and desire, and seek such things as these in such actions, subordinately, or less principally; but in these and all actions, they ought PRINCIPALLY and CHIEFLY to seek the GLORY OF GOD.
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31