The Johnson Family's Catechism Adventures #1; Man's Chief End

Chapter 1: The Greatest Treasure

The sun had just begun to dip below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the Johnson household. Inside, the aroma of Mrs. Johnson's famous shepherd's pie filled the air, a sure sign that dinner was almost ready. Joshua, 15, with his thoughtful eyes and a book always in hand; Peter, 12, full of energy and questions; and Samuel, 10, the youngest, with his ever-present mischievous grin, gathered around the large oak dining table.

Mr. Johnson, a man of gentle strength and deep faith, smiled warmly at his family. "Before we eat, let's start our family worship time." The Johnson family cherished these moments, a daily tradition where they sang, prayed, and delved into God’s word together.

Tonight, Mr. Johnson opened a well-worn copy of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. "Boys," he began, "we're starting something new. We'll explore each question and answer in this catechism. Our goal is to not only memorize them but to understand and live by them."

Joshua nodded earnestly, Peter looked curious, and Samuel fidgeted, his attention caught between the book and the smell of dinner.

"We'll start with Question 1," Mrs. Johnson said, her voice gentle yet filled with excitement. "What is the chief end of man?"

Joshua immediately reached for the catechism, reading aloud, “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”

“That sounds important, but what does it really mean?” Peter asked, his forehead crinkling in thought.

“That, my dear boys, is exactly what we'll discover together,” Mr. Johnson replied. “But I have a challenge for you. I want you three to explore this question on your own. Think about what it means to glorify God and enjoy Him. Look for answers in your daily life, in the Bible, and by talking to others.”

The boys exchanged excited glances. This wasn't just a memorization task; it was a treasure hunt for wisdom.

“Can we talk to Pastor Williams about it?” Samuel piped up, always eager to embark on new adventures.

“Of course,” Mrs. Johnson said with a smile. “And remember, there's no rush. This journey is about understanding, not just finding the quickest answer.”

Dinner passed with lively conversation about what it might mean to glorify and enjoy God. Each boy had his own ideas, and the diversity of their thoughts only added to the excitement.

After dinner, as the boys helped clear the table, Joshua said thoughtfully, “I think our adventure starts tomorrow. Let's head to the park after school. Sometimes, being in nature helps me think about God.”

Peter, ever the planner, suggested, “We should also keep a journal of what we learn and experience. It could help us understand better.”

Samuel, bouncing with enthusiasm, added, “And let’s talk to different people! Everyone might have a different way of showing how they glorify and enjoy God.”

With their plan taking shape, the boys felt a sense of anticipation. This was more than a family challenge; it was a journey to unearth the profound truth of their faith.

As they settled for the night, each boy lay in bed, their minds buzzing with thoughts of the days ahead. The question, simple yet profound, lingered in their hearts - What does it mean to glorify God and enjoy Him forever?

Outside, the stars twinkled brightly, as if winking in approval at the adventure that lay ahead for the Johnson boys, an adventure that would lead them closer to understanding the greatest treasure of their lives.

Chapter 2: A Day in the Park

The following afternoon was bright and sunny, perfect for an outdoor adventure. The Johnson boys, backpacks slung over their shoulders, set off to the local park, their hearts set on unraveling the mystery of glorifying and enjoying God.

Joshua led the way, his mind already racing with ideas. "I think nature is one of the ways God shows His glory," he mused as they walked through the park, surrounded by towering trees and the melody of chirping birds. "Maybe appreciating and taking care of His creation is part of how we glorify Him."

Peter, notebook in hand, was ready to jot down every thought. "Let's observe and write down everything in nature that makes us think about God," he proposed.

Samuel, with a skip in his step, was more interested in the playground. "I think enjoying God means having fun, right? Like playing and being happy!"

Their first encounter was with Mr. Thompson, the park's friendly gardener, who was busy planting flowers. After explaining their quest, they asked him what glorifying and enjoying God meant to him.

Mr. Thompson paused, a thoughtful expression on his face. "To me, glorifying God is like tending to these flowers. I do it with care and love, trying to reflect the beauty of God's creation. And I find joy in this work, seeing the beauty grow. That's how I enjoy God."

The boys nodded, understanding dawning on them. Caring for God's creation was a way of honoring Him.

Next, they met Mrs. Sanchez, who was reading her Bible on a bench. She shared her perspective, "I glorify God by learning about Him and following His word. And I enjoy Him through prayer, feeling His presence and peace."

"Learning and praying," Peter wrote down, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration.

Their last encounter was with a group of children playing a game of soccer. Samuel joined in, laughing and running with pure joy. When the game ended, Samuel shared, "I think playing and being happy like this is a way to enjoy God too."

Joshua agreed, "Yes, and playing fairly, being kind to others, that's part of glorifying Him."

As the sun began to set, the boys sat on a grassy hill, reflecting on their day. They realized that glorifying and enjoying God wasn't limited to one specific act. It was in the beauty of nature, the wisdom of the Bible, the peace of prayer, and even in the joy of play.

Their adventure in the park had opened their eyes to the many ways they could live out the answer to the catechism's question. But they knew their journey wasn't over. There was still so much more to learn and explore.

As they walked home, the words of Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Sanchez, and the laughter of the children playing soccer echoed in their minds. Each encounter had been a piece of the puzzle, a clue in their quest to understand how to glorify and enjoy God forever.

The adventure had truly begun, and the Johnson boys were eager to see where it would lead them next.

Chapter 3: Reflections and Revelations

As the week progressed, the Johnson boys found themselves immersed in their quest. Each day brought new insights, discussions, and a deeper understanding of what it meant to glorify and enjoy God. They talked to different people, read Bible passages, and observed the world around them with keen interest.

On Sunday evening, as the family gathered for their daily family worship, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. The boys had spent the entire week exploring, learning, and now they were ready to share their discoveries.

Mr. Johnson began, “So, boys, tell us about your journey this week. What have you learned about glorifying and enjoying God?”

Joshua spoke first, his voice steady and thoughtful, “I’ve learned that glorifying God isn’t just about what we say or do in church. It's about how we live every part of our lives. Like Mr. Thompson in the park, caring for God's creation, or Mrs. Sanchez, who finds joy in God's word and prayer.”

Peter, always eager to share his findings, added, “And I've realized that enjoying God can be in the small things. Like the joy in playing soccer, or the peace we find in nature. It's not just about feeling happy, but about finding contentment and purpose in what God gives us.”

Samuel, with his usual enthusiasm, chimed in, “And it's also about being with friends and family, laughing and having fun. I think God likes it when we are happy and kind to each other.”

Mrs. Johnson, her eyes brimming with pride, nodded, “That’s wonderful, boys. You’ve really embraced this challenge and made it your own.”

Mr. Johnson, with a gentle smile, asked, “And have you memorized the answer to the catechism question?”

In unison, the boys recited, “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” The words, now familiar and deeply understood, resonated through the room.

The family spent the rest of the evening discussing the catechism question in more depth, weaving in the boys' experiences and insights. It was a rich, fulfilling conversation that went beyond mere words, touching the hearts of each family member.

As the night drew to a close, Mr. Johnson closed the catechism book and said, “You’ve all done wonderfully well this week. I’m proud of how you’ve sought to understand and live out God’s word.”

The boys went to bed that night with a sense of achievement. They had not only learned the answer to the catechism question but had also experienced it in real life. The week’s journey had deepened their faith and brought them closer to understanding the true essence of glorifying and enjoying God.

The adventure was just beginning, and they were eager to explore the next catechism question. But for now, they rested, their hearts full of the joy and peace that comes from a deeper connection with God.

Outside, the stars shone brightly, a celestial reminder of the endless wonders of God’s creation, waiting to be explored and cherished, just like the unending journey of faith the Johnson boys had embarked upon.

Supplemental Material: Family Worship Guide for Q&A 1 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism

Introduction:

This guide provides a structured approach to family worship centered around the first question and answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: "What is the chief end of man?" It aims to foster meaningful discussion, reflection, and worship within the family setting.

1. Opening Prayer:

Begin your family worship with a prayer. You may choose to pray spontaneously or use this as a guide:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this time to come together as a family to learn more about You and Your word. Open our hearts and minds to understand the truths of the Scripture and the teachings of the catechism. Help us to glorify You and enjoy You not just in this moment, but in all aspects of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

2. Read Together a Chapter from the Bible:

Choose a chapter that reflects the theme of glorifying and enjoying God. Here are three suggestions:

Psalm 73 Focuses on finding contentment and joy in God's presence amidst the struggles of life.

John 17 Jesus’ prayer emphasizes the glory of God and the joy found in Him.

Read the chosen chapter aloud together.

3. Discuss the Chapter:

Reflect on the chapter and discuss how it relates to the catechism's question. Consider these prompts:

· How does this passage show us ways to glorify God?

· What does this chapter teach us about finding joy and contentment in God?

· Are there any actions or attitudes in this passage that we can apply to our daily lives?

4. Sing a Hymn:

Choose a hymn, Our family uses the Trinity Hymnal, that complements the theme of glorifying and enjoying God. Here are a few suggestions from the Trinity Hymnal:

Hymn 100: “Holy, Holy, Holy” – A hymn of praise that reflects the glory of God.

Hymn 642: “Be Thou My Vision” – A prayer for God to be our vision, wisdom, and best thought by day or by night.

Hymn 691: “It Is Well with My Soul” – Expresses trust and contentment in God’s plan.

Sing the hymn together as a family, reflecting on its words and the truths it conveys about God.

5. Close in Prayer:

Conclude your family worship with a closing prayer. This could be a time for individual prayer requests or a general prayer, such as:

Lord, thank You for guiding us through Your word and helping us understand more about glorifying and enjoying You. May the truths we’ve learned tonight stay with us, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions. Bless our family and help us to live each day for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Note:

Feel free to adapt this guide to your family’s needs and dynamics. The aim is to create a meaningful and engaging worship experience that deepens your family's understanding and love for God.

Resources:
The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms

Trinity Hymnal: Red Cover Edition

Book of Psalms for Singing

Family Worship Magazine