The Reason for Everything

The ultimate goal of the universe is to show the glory of God. God made it all for his glory. In the entire universe, only two of God's creations fail to bring glory to him: fallen angels (demons) and us (people). All sin, at its root, is failing to give God glory. It is loving anything else more than God.

So how can we bring glory to God? We glorify God by fulfilling our purpose here on earth.

John 17:4
I brought glory to you here on earth by doing everything you told me to do. (stated by Jesus)

We bring glory to God through these five purposes:

1) Worshiping Him - God wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving, and delight, not duty.

2) Loving Other Believers - We need to belong and learn to love as God does.

Romans 15:7
Accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.

3) Becoming Like Christ

2 Corinthians 3:18
As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.

4) Serving Other With Our Gifts

1 Peter 4:10-11
God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you...Are you called to help other? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory.

5) Telling Other About Him -

2 Corinthians 4:15
As God's grace brings more and more people to Christ,...God will receive more and more glory.

We can't do these things without checking our priorities, schedules, relationships and more. It may mean choosing a difficult path.