Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ³  Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents;  but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

 ⁴  “We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day;  is coming when no one can work.

 ⁵  “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”  John 9:1-5. 

——————————-

This is the meaning of life – that “the works of God might be displayed”.  This is the meaning of creation.  This is also the meaning of our personal lives. 

This understanding should help give us patience and help us not be too critical of ourselves or others.  We may think that our life (or others’ lives) will only be a success if we (or they) do something great in our own eyes.  But, we understand from this Scripture that this blind man was severely limited by his blindness as to what he could personally accomplish.  We too may be severely limited by what we can personally accomplish.  However, the blind man’s purpose and our purpose (the meaning of our lives) are to serve as objects upon which “the works of God might be displayed” in us.

However, like Christ, we are not just passive objects.  We also have the active duty to “work the works of Him who sent” us.  We love to quote Philippians 2:13:  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  But, what does the prior verse state?  “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;”  Philippians 2:12.

As Jesus is “the Light of the world”,  we are to imitate Jesus and also be light in this world.  “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

Using verses such as Matthew 5:16, we can add God’s glory to the meaning of life.  What does “the works of God” do?  They bring glory to God.  Thus, the meaning of life is that “the works of God might be displayed to bring glory to God”.

Here is what the Reformed Confession The Westminister Confession of Faith states:

Question 1:  What is the chief and highest end of man?

Answer:  Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.