“… that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.” (II Corinthians 4:15)

This verse reveals something very important when it tells us what happens when God’s grace is spread to more people.  It says that more thanks is given, “to the glory of God.” This phrase “to the glory of God” teaches us that it is praise to God that is our ultimate aim or goal.

It is instructive that Paul does NOT say something like, “the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause more to be saved from hell”, or “may cause more to go to heaven,” etc. — although these things are true, and are marvelous consequences of the spread of the grace of God!  But the ultimate goal that Paul points to from the spread of His grace is that it brings more GLORY to GOD! HE is the ultimate end, not us — even in a passage that speaks of His grace being spread to more people.

The ultimate goal of God’s grace working in us should be OUR ultimate aim as well. We should live for the glory of God.  It should be our primary consideration in every decision we make: “Will this bring God glory?”  Each day when we get up, instead of wondering, “What do I want to do today?” or “What would make me feel good today?”, we should ask ourselves, “What would bring God the most glory today?”

The old catechism has it right: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” (Westminster Shorter Catechism)  This is true not only for eternity in heaven, but right now as well.  Our ultimate aim here and now is to glorify God.  Your most important consideration should be: how can you best do that today?