The End

Have been reading Jonathan Edwards "End for Which God Created the World" essay.

In the introduction he makes distinctions between different sorts of 'ends'.

There are ultimate ends- which in an of themselves bring pleasure to the person seeking them.
Chief end- which is the highest end that all ultimate ends find their connection

Subordinate ends- things which in and of themselves are not pleasure-filling. Rather, they are sought in order to meet another end. For ex: if I go grocery shopping, I am not venturing off for the pure pleasure of doing so, rather my end is to purchase food. And the food is purchased not for its own joy, but that it might satisfy hunger. The acts of going to the grocery store and buying food are both sought to satisfy hunger- which is the ultimate end in this situation.

My point in all of this?
It has gotten me to ponder some of the ultimate/subordinate ends in my own life.
Which ends might be regarded as subordinate...and which ones as ultimate in my life?

When it concerns serving...is the ultimate end the pleasure found in serving for the glory of God? ... or the affirmation it receives. What end is sought? What end brings pleasure in itself?

Is God's glory the chief end of what I do? Or is it my own glory?

When I am criticized, corrected and instructed
When I am encouraged, edified, and complimented...

Is my concern for the glory of my kingdom in all of this? Or of God's?

I dare say it might be the former more than I'd like.
In fact, it's probably the former more than I know.

Which is why...Christ died for sinners. Those who need God, even to worship God... to recognize that He is worthy.
Even to regard God's glory over my own requires looking to Christ.

¹⁴Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14-15

²Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

God has taught me so much in the last year. Much of it was pleasant instruction where I found much joy in the learning. Much of it was (also) unpleasant... revealing the character in my heart which needed refining.

I only have a few remaining weeks before I head to Korea.
In them... I hope I am able to spend this time wisely... in the Word...with family...with friends.