Focus On Your ‘Why’
“So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?” (Ecclesiastes 3:22)
In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon seemingly writes as if there’s no hope and no future. He begins his writing with a lot of futility in that no matter what happens, “all is vanity”, or worthless. If we can not see the future, then we are left to make a choice in how we live. He explains in chapter 3 that life is determined by a various ‘seasons’, some good, some bad. So no matter what season of life you’re in, and not knowing what the future holds, how we live in the present is of utmost importance. Some may see this as a fatalist point of view. Some may see it as positive motivation. If we view this with eternity in mind, it can take on a whole new perspective.
If we believe in the sovereignty of God, in that He is in control over all things (Psalm 24:1), then what do we have to fear? This leads to focusing on our why. Why do we do the things we do? Why do we work in the particular job/career we have? Why do we worry about Covid, rising gas prices, or the war between Russia and Ukraine? Please understand. I’m not saying these things are not important, or that we shouldn’t care about them. What I’m referring to is the deep-seated reasoning why we exist, why we work, and how and why we think about our circumstances.
Proverbs 21:1-2 provides a clear picture of our life. God is in control. We can plan, strive for greatness, work hard, etc., but it’s all under His control. If we live in this truth, it gives us our why. Colossians 3:17 states, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Our why is to live, work, and serve for God’s glory, not our own. We willingly serve at the behest of a loving and gracious God. He has granted us life. He saved our life from eternal damnation. By His Spirit, we have been transformed so that our perspective is His glory, not our own. Jesus proclaimed, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
Too many live and operate solely for themselves. They strive for everything they can have here and now, because they have no hope beyond this life (Luke 9:25). Maybe you need to change your why. Maybe your need to bring some focus to your why. Maybe you would prefer the kind of why I’m talking about. If that’s you, it can only come by surrendering your life to Jesus. This is not ‘self help’. This is eternal life on purpose, here and now. You need to confess your sin of pride and self-satisfaction. This will take sacrifice (Luke 9:23-24). However, it will provide you an eternal perspective of why, and while you’re here, you can enjoy your life and work, all for the glory of God!
Keep this in mind: The truth of God’s why is so much better than the lie of your own.
