You're probably right, God is probably wrong...

It seems like a contradiction that we would be fulfilled though service, that we would gain by giving. We wonder how God could love us if His will for us is only that we glorify Him. Is this a paradox or a contradiction? Does it benefit us to serve God without regard to ourselves? If so, why?

The discrepancy here arises due to an inaccurate view of who God is and who we are. When determining what is beneficial for anything, we must first determine what the thing is and why it exists. Let us apply this concept to humanity. What is humanity and why does it exist? This can be answered by first asking how it exists. The Bible teaches that we exist as a product of creation by an all-powerful God. This is so simple and so matter of fact to a Christian that it is often overlooked when he is considering the dynamic of his relationship to God. The profound revelation that is found in this simple truth is this; since God is our creator our meaning, purpose, and worth can be nothing greater, or less, or anything at all other than what is assigned by Him.

If the creator assigns the purpose, then humanity must look to its creator in order to find its purpose. The Bible teaches that our purpose is to please God, to glorify Him. It can be said in many ways, but any way it is put, we are meant to be servants. Is it any wonder then that the selfish are unfulfilled while the selfless live at peace? We were created for God, not God for us. God is for us, He does love us, and He does work for the good of those who love Him, but we cannot define a Godly good in human terms.

Now, if we are servants and God expects to be served, does this make Him any more selfish than we are for expecting our meals to sustain our bodies through the day? After all, that is what a meal is designed to do. This is not a case of pride or arrogance; this is a case of a God who created things, which would be made full by glorifying Him. How can one be called arrogant for calling something exactly what it is?