Man’s chief end is to
glorify God and enjoy him forever. Westminster Catechism
We buried our cat this morning. Charlie was hit by
a car last night, two blocks from home. It’s been a sad day in the Downey
house.
We knew this day would come eventually. Three years of roaming the neighborhood every
night finally caught up with him. When
he was young, we tried to restrain him and deny his attempts to be outside on
the prowl. But Charlie was relentless and refused to remain indoors. He quickly
settled into a routine of hunting outside all night and lounging around inside
all day. And, in spite of being
de-clawed, he kept the population of vermin at a minimum, and intimidated every
four-legged mammal east of Cliff Avenue.
Charlie turned me into a cat person. Because, as soft and
cuddly as he was around our family, he spent most of his time doing what God
created him to do. He was no ordinary
house cat, but a stealthy, nocturnal hunter. He died doing what he was made
for: roaming the horizon, looking for adventure.
Charlie’s life and death bring up an important
question: Are most people doing what
they were created to do?
The Bible says that we were ultimately put on this
planet to glorify God.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
In the same way, let your light shine before
others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
It’s clear that the majority of the population is
living for a different purpose. All around us, there is evidence of
self-glorification, self-absorption, and self-worship. Because of our fallen
condition, we don’t naturally glorify God. We must first receive a new nature.
In a strange way, our cat emphasized the importance
of our role with Cru. Proclaiming the gospel around the world (in word and in deed)
awakens people to their true meaning and purpose in life. Our job is simple: asking people to change
their reason for existence. Thanks for the
reminder, Charlie.
Praises
- For
God providing our family with a great pet
- For a
reminder of why we’re on this planet
- For a
renewed sense of calling to our ministry with Cru
Please Pray
- That
we would faithfully proclaim the gospel
- That
students would be convicted to change their reason for living
- That
YOU, as a follower of Christ, would look for opportunities to glorify God
- For
our kids (they’re really sad about losing Charlie)
