Thomas Watson, “Uses” for Shorter Catechism #1

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God“

1. So that we know our chief end ought not be earthly things, which we may never get, or shall never satisfy our souls.
2. It corrects us
   1. When we don’t use our lives for the glory of God
   2. When our chief consideration in life is our own glory
   3. When we oppose God’s glory.
3. It calls us to make God’s glory our chief.
   1. Magistrates ought to pursue it.
   2. Ministers ought to promote it.
   3. Masters of family must lead their families in this.

“Man’s chief end is to enjoy God for ever.”

In this life

1. For seeing the wickedness of making enjoyment of this age our chief end.
2. Enjoy God in his ordinances of worship

In the age to come

1. Enjoy God now that we may enjoy him hereafter.
2. Let it spur us to duty to do these things now.
3. In sorrow now, there is a day coming of pure enjoyment in God.

 

Body of Divinity, 6-26