What is the chief end of man? (1)

To me this question begs another: "Why did God even make mankind?"

It is good to look for hints regarding God's intention for His creation, in Bible passages about the Garden of Eden. Before sin made a mess of things, God walked with Adam and Eve, face to face, without any barrier. They were like friends spending time in each other's company. Their separation only happened after people believed Satan's lies about God and began doubting God's words (Genesis 3:4). Distrust crept into the relationship, creating a wedge between God and man. 

That wedge grew. Even after God had banned Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:23), He still occasionally walked with Adam and his descendants. It wasn't until after he killed his brother Abel, that Cain was banished from God's presence (Genesis 4:14). Six generations after Adam, we read that God walked with Enoch. Theirs was such a close relationship that God took Enoch directly to Heaven, sparing him the experience of death (Genesis 5:24). 

In the beginning of biblical history, we notice that God made people, amongst other things, to spend time with them. To spend time with us. 

It is no wonder the Westminster Shorter Catechism answers the question "What is the chief end of man?" with this answer: "To glorify God and enjoy Him forever".