“And if it be thus fit that God should have a supreme regard to himself, then it is fit that this supreme regard should appear in those things by which he makes himself known, or by his word and works, i.e. in what he says, and in what he does. If it be an infinitely amiable thing in God that he should have a supreme regard to himself, then it is an amiable thing that he should act as having a chief regard to himself, or act in such a manner as to show that he has such a regard: that what is highest in God’s heart may be highest in his actions and conduct” (Jonathan Edwards: The End for Which God Created the World).
This penetrating thought from Edwards can be summed up as this: since the chief and ultimate affection and end in everything is Himself (God), His actions show that He treasures Himself first and foremost (and might I add, infinitely above anything else). This has an immediate implication for the worshipper of God. Writing earlier in this book, Edwards remarks,
“The moral rectitude of the disposition, inclination, or affection of God CHIEFLY consists in a regard to HIMSELF, infinitely above his regard to all other beings”
Since the chief affection of God is Himself, He shows it through His actions and conduct, viz. creation, providence, redemption, etc. As worshippers of God, if we say that God is the chief affection and object of our heart, mind, and life, how do we act upon that affection daily showing that God is our chief end in all things? Are we consistent in claiming that God is our chief affection and showing through our actions that He is our chief affection and end in all that we do?
Excellent topic and thoughts Danny! Your questions slice into the core of my heart, and the answers are not beautiful without Christ’s life and work on my behalf.
[...] 23, 2008 Denny writes a great post about some thoughts on a Edwards quote he writes: “And if it be thus fit [...]