The Ultimate Purpose of Growth

What drives your life? What is your aim in life? Your purpose? Your ultimate goal?

The answers to those questions will provide the motivation and reason for your spiritual growth.

This year we have written 36 posts on our theme Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth. We’ve discussed “the what” and “the how” of growth, but it has suddenly occurred to me that we have not specifically addressed “the why” of growth.

Why grow spiritually? Why seek to improve yourself? To develop your talents, skills and abilities? Why grow in knowledge and discernment? Why be a continual learner? Why shun bad habits and grow good ones? Why grow in faith? And abound in love?

There can only be one ultimate answer.

To glorify God.

Purpose, as defined by the New Random House Dictionary, “is the reason for which something exists, made, or used. An intended or desired result; aim; goal.”

The Westminster Shorter Catechism, written by English and Scottish theologians between 1646 and 1647 asks the question, “What is the chief end of man?” The answer? “The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.”

However, the answer was found long before the Catechism was ever conceived or written. It’s found in the Bible, God’s revealed Word.

In Psalm 16:8 David affirmed, “I have set the Lord continually before me.” In other words, focusing his life on pleasing God and glorifying Him was David’s ultimate aim and constant attention. The Psalms are filled with David’s expressed purpose in glorifying, exalting, and honoring God.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul often wrote about the importance of glorifying God in all that we do.

To the Philippian brethren, he wrote that the “fruits of our righteousness” ought to be “to the praise and glorfy of God” (Phil. 1:11).

To the Corinthians, he urged them to abstain from immorality because their body was “the temple of the Holy Spirit.” Then he added, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

To the Thessalonians, he said that Christians should “walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12).

To the Romans, he exhorted them to grow in their relationship with one another, accepting one another, edifying one another, and loving one another “to the glory of God” (Rom. 15:17).

To the Colossians, he offered this admonition, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17).

Even in the most fundamental areas of our lives, Paul would implore, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).

The purpose of spiritual growth is not just to become a better person, or a stronger Christian. It is not just a means to grow the church. Nor should it motivated by selfish ambition, impelled by pride, and seeking the praise of men.

Spiritual growth magnifies God’s glory. It honors God. It finds its purpose in becoming all that God created us to be. The Bible says, “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10).

He made us. Created us. And equipped us to accomplish His purpose. The NLT translates the word “workmanship” as “masterpiece.” It’s the Greek word poiema. It literally means a work of art. It’s the root of our English word poem.

You are God’s masterpiece. A divine work. Nothing but the highest and best is created by God. Like the artist who takes a blank canvas and with brushes and paints creates a beautiful painting, God can take our lives and develop a masterpiece.

When we view our lives from God’s perspective and purpose, that ought to galvanize us to grow spiritually. Because we desire to please Him. Honor Him. And glorify Him.

Ultimately, the command “to grow” is not realized in “the what,” or “the how,” employing human means and methods, but in “the why.” In knowing who we are. Why we exist. And what our purpose in life is all about–glorifying God.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman