The beginning of a new year always invites us to reflect on our goals, on our hopes for the future, and, hopefully, on what matters most. Ephesians 1:3-14 provides a few simple, yet profound, keys that will help us live a purposeful new year.

1. To the praise of his glory

Paul references three times that everything, including our lives, is for the praise of God’s glory. John Piper said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” Can we determine in our hearts that no matter what 2024 holds, we will long for God and his glory more than anything else? Isaiah 60:1-2 promises that God’s glory will appear over us in the midst of thick darkness. This, not temporary roles we have (parent, employee, minister, etc), is at the heart of our life’s purpose.

2. Jesus

Our purpose and God’s glory overlap in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the glory of God in human form. Count the number of times Paul connects everything to Christ in this passage. In Jesus, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen before the creation of the world, redeemed and forgiven, and marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit, etc. Meditate on these promises and let them sink deeply into your heart. 

Lastly, it is noteworthy that this passage talks about “we” and “us”. In other words, our purpose of living for God’s glory in Jesus is a corporate calling; we were not made to be “lone-ranger” Christians.

You were made for a time as this, chosen in Jesus before the beginning of time, to the praise of his glory.

• Which temporary role in your life has the tendency to become too important for you?
• How will you be committed to the church in 2024?