The Highest End

[MW]

Dear PB brethren,

I was recently meditating on the first question of the Larger Catechism and penned the following lines; perhaps you will find them an encouragement as you seek after your highest end.

THE HIGHEST END
By Matthew E. Winzer

The chief and highest end of man
is God to glorify,
and to the full to have this God
for ever to enjoy.

Wait not until your life is spent
to take to heart this truth,
Remember your Creator in
the happy days of youth.

Then as you grow and learn that life
has many cares in store,
You'll have the one most needful thing
that is for ever sure.

This is the better part to choose,
for when old age draws nigh,
You won't despair as others do
who live afraid to die.

No, you can breathe your last and know
you've lived unto the Lord,
And He will say to you, Well done!
Go into your reward.

There you will sit and reign with Him,
and you will apprehend
The love of Christ Who gave you grace
to reach your highest end.

 

[Ivan]

Most excellent! Thank you, pastor.

 

[KSon]

 

[PuritanCovenanter]

I had to link it on my facebook.

 

[AThornquist]

Thank you for sharing. It's wonderful.

 

[Brian Withnell]

It brings to mind Ecclesiastes, one of my favorite books. Thank you.

 

[jambo]

Many thanks for this excellent piece.

 

[turmeric]

Very nice. I would like to share it with someone.

 

[ClayPot]

Very encouraging.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

I've recently been meditating on the Proverbs and it really struck me most profoundly for the first time how apt the analogy of the pursuit of two Ladies is to the believer's walk. The seduction of the Strange Woman is easy. She flatters and her rewards come quickly only to find you have been ensnared as prey in a trap. Lady Wisdom cries out that She only is wisdom and worthy of pursuit but such pursuit is lifelong. Taken together with Ecclesiastes and the recognition that our present life is but a "vapor" or "breath" this pursuit is the only thing that provides perspective and meaning to all the blessings of this sojourn.