Apr 26 2010
Purpose. Glory. Joy.
Why are you here?You were created for a purpose and you were created for a Person.This is where Glory and Joy intersect.
We all have an innate longing for glory.We all have an innate longing for joy.We long to participate in something bigger than ourselves.We want to enter into and experience something worthwhile and weighty and substantial.This quest for glory is the same quest for joy in something glorious.
Yet, we are frustrated and disappointed, insecure and ashamed because of the insignificance and smallness of our existence…and because of the fleeting and fickle nature of our joy.If we are honest with ourselves, our pursuits are trivial and our hearts are restless.
This is why we love movies.This is why so many TV shows are so appealing.They provide us an opportunity to vicariously participate in something bigger than ourselves.We are not satisfied with our little lives and we long to experience the weight of saving the world, cracking the code, or living the perfect romance, etc. ad nauseum (How many different ways can Hollywood repackage the same basic plot lines?).
Deep down we know that we will probably leave very little lasting impact in this world and so if we can lose our little selves in something great for 2 hours (albeit fictitious), then just a bit of that thirst for glory is satiated.But it never slakes the thirst.Movies are too light and too short.You can only continue to participate in the glory that they offer by continuing to talk about it with others who are trying to do the same thing.No wonder movies and TV are our main topics of conversation.
Yet, you were created for an infinitely greater purpose.And infinitely greater joy is found in the center of this purpose.Listen to the way the Bible describes this purpose:
Isaiah 43:6-7 “…bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
1 Corinthians 10:31 "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
St. Augustine said, “You made us for yourself, and our hearts find no peace till they rest in you.”We were made to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.This is the purpose for our existence.It is only here that we find true participation in the weight of glory.Only God and His glory are truly substantial and real.All earthly glory is merely a shadow and echo.And it is only here that we find the depths and heights of joy for which we long.Only God and His eternal purposes are big enough to satisfy our hungry and thirsty souls.
If you are trying to slake your thirst for glory and joy in the things and people around you, you are falling short of the glory of God.God is not glorified by your life.He is belittled.And He doesn’t take that lightly.Neither should you.He made you for Him.You are not going to find true joy apart from Him.Don’t take that lightly.He didn’t.
He was so serious about His glory and your joy that He sent His Son Jesus to live and die so that you could participate in ultimate glory and consummate joy… both now and forever.