We’re all searching for purpose. Sometimes that purpose is clear and we pursue it with a passion. Other times we struggle to maintain focus or get lost on the way (often, this is what a midlife crisis is). Each of us needs a Why? in our lives.
As a dad, I do what I do in order to raise children who can thrive in this world, and hopefully love Jesus. As a husband, my why is loving and serving my wife the best I can to honor her as my sister in Christ. As a pastor, I strive to help people experience the love of God so they might in turn love God and love others. Each of these is my why in my various roles.
All these whys flow from my great why as a follower of Jesus. My purpose in life is to know Jesus deeply (think: Philippians 3) so I might make him and his love known to others. This why drives my love for my children, my wife, my church, and my neighbors.
So, what is your why in life? My guess is, if you’re a follower of Jesus, it probably has something to do with experiencing the love and grace of God, loving others, and making Jesus known. This is what we see in the Great Verse of John 3:16 (experience God), the Great Commands of Matthew 22 (love God; love others), and the Great Commission of Matthew 28 (make disciples).
I want challenge you to use these ideas and personalize your own why. If you are a follower of Jesus, you’ll find your why there. If you are a pastor or minister, there is also an element of why. If you’re a pastor or church leader, then help your church discover its why.
So… What’s your why?
This post originally appeared at Thoughts from the Hills.
Image cred: Photo by Ann H (pexels)
Mike is a small-town pastor and founder of Ozark Hills Church Consulting.