What’s Your Why?
I just recently became aware of the question that serves as the title of this post, but I discovered that it has been around for quite a while. Apparently, it is used in many circles to assist people in finding purpose in their lives, to provide motivation, and to do a host of other things. The question is even used in some circles to help people discover what they are really, truly passionate about.
The idea seems to be that we all need to examine our purpose for doing what we are (or are not) doing. I suppose that this could be illustrated by two people working for the same company. One may be doing his or her job merely for the paycheck while the other really believes in and is dedicated to the product, service, values, etc. of the employer. It wouldn’t be difficult to figure out which of those two employees is the better employee.
Maybe two students are sitting in the same classroom. One is there just because he or she is required to be there while the other is truly interested in the subject and may even want to use what he/she learns in that class as a springboard to a career in whatever that field of study is. Do you have any guesses regarding which of the two will be the better student?
The illustrations and scenarios are almost endless, but I think you get the idea. There is a definite positive correlation between interest in (or maybe even a passion for) something and how much effort we put into whatever that something is.
Let’s make this personal. Why do you do what you do for your spouse? Is it because you are merely meeting expectations? Is it because it makes you look good? Is the reason because you are committed to your vows or are committed to (and passionate about) the one with whom you share your name and life?
What about the name “Christian?” If you wear that name, why do you do that? Is it just a box you check on some form that asks for religious affiliation? Do you call yourself a Christian because it is socially acceptable, good for business, looks good on a resume, etc.? Do you wear that name only because it gives you hope for eternal life?
Instead of all of those “reasons,” is there another reason you wear that name? Is it because of your love for the One who gave Himself for you, His church, and His work?
According to one website I consulted (https://www.developgoodhabits.com › your-why-worksheet), here are four ways to benefit from finding your purpose in life (your “why”):
- Helps you live longer. Results of a long-term study published in the Psychological Science journal reveal that people who have a strong sense of purpose in life, especially those who are at retirement age, tend to live longer than those who do not.
- Strengthens your health. People who feel that their lives have meaning tend to demonstrate better physical and mental health than those who don’t see the meaning in their lives.
- Clarifies your focus in life. When you know your purpose, you shape your decisions and actions according to this purpose. You do away with the unnecessary, giving you the opportunity to focus on what’s truly important.
- Makes you brave. When you’re living a life of purpose, you learn to trust that all your actions are infused with grace. This allows you to make decisions that you’d normally be afraid to make when you are still figuring out your life’s purpose.
I’d like to add one more to this list. The most fundamental reason for our existence is to glorify God. That needs to be our “ultimate why.”
What’s your why?
AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
