Our Purpose for Living
What is the ultimate purpose for a Christian’s use of spiritual gifts? The apostle Peter stated it succinctly: “That in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11).
By honoring Jesus Christ, we honor God the Father. It was Jesus who manifested God’s glory through His position within the Godhead, His personal incarnation and ministry on Earth, His provision of salvation for mankind through His death on the cross, and His resurrection and ascension back to heaven where He is seated at the right hand of God the Father.
Although Christ is now in heaven, His ministry continues here through the Holy Spirit (Jn. 16:13–15). In the future, Christ will bring glory to the Father when He returns to establish the Millennial Kingdom.
Today, we are to bring glory to both Jesus Christ and the Father by obeying His Word and offering Him praise, honor, and worship with thankful hearts.
Peter closed 1 Peter 4:11 with his own doxology: “through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” God must be glorified because of His sovereignty, authority, power, dominion, and supremacy as Creator and Redeemer of all that exists.
Nothing is more important in life, especially in these “last days,” than to glorify God through Jesus Christ. As God’s children through faith in His Son, we should live in total obedience to His commands, which will produce a righteous life and bring Him glory. Jesus Himself provided the pattern of godliness when He lived on Earth: He was wholly dedicated to pleasing the Father.
Peter did not merely recommend we be godly. He commanded it: “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy’” (1:15–16).
Godliness is every Christian’s duty, especially since the Lord’s return is imminent. Every decision we make should glorify God (1 Cor. 10:31). We should all ask ourselves, Are we making our time count to bring God glory? If we love Him, we should live for Him, remembering that “He first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19).
