It's Not About Me
Including the What and the Why in our purpose
I have sat many times pondering the dreaded “what.” What if I do this, but it ends up like that? What should I do next? What if this happens? What is the next thing?” And of course, “what should I say?” It can be an agonizing process that can lead to feeling stuck, irritated, frustrated, dismayed, hardened, weak and/or bitter. The “what” questions are ones to ponder, as I focus on God’s purpose in my life. If I must be honest, what is more agonizing is when I pause to measure my “what.”
When faced with the big questions, I have to ask myself why. Why do I want or hope for this? Why do I want to respond or say that? Why do I want to go? Is it for my glory and/or to meet a desire that “I” want?
You see, the “what” can often look noble, honoring, even impressive to myself or others. However, it all comes back to Jesus and the Glory of God’s kingdom. So, if my why does not line up with God’s Word, my what can have me moving in the wrong direction.
It is so easy to get up in the next “big”, waiting for God to reveal His next steps for our purpose. Realizing that our “why” is to bring the most honor to God and reflect who He is to others, we can use our gifts and talents right where we are now. That could be in our current job, community, church, and family.
As I seek to know how I will respond or speak to someone, the answer changes when I check what would be an indication of how Jesus would show love and respond.
The truth is that Jesus cares more about the why than He does the what. The why can change your what to a how, instead. How can I reflect the gospel of Christ in all my ways? How am I being obedient, according to His word in the “right now?” How can I show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control in my workplace, home, community and church body? Those are questions to put my why and motivation in check. They become priority over the struggle of what to do.
At the end of the day, at the end of my life, it is about leading others to Him and representing the Gospel so that all may come to know him. As that becomes our focus, our purpose becomes clear.
What have been your biggest questions lately around God’s purpose for your life?
What could you start doing or do more of right now that would bring honor go God, right where you are?
3. How does this insight bring you clarity to God’s purpose for your life?
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Philippians 1:27 (NIV)
Crystal Breaux
Elevate Your Style
Empower Your Soul
Grab a self care box and purchase with purpose—get your box of up to $300 in life giving & fashion boosting products shipped right to your door for only $59 per season.
Each quarter we give you three Christ-centered devotionals that inspire a deeper relationship with Jesus and encourage you to keep walking out your faith journey. You'll also get three fashion or beauty items that are exclusively selected from women owned businesses we love & respect.
100% of the profits for your F+F quarterly box subscription empowers another future woman leader through our Non-Profit, Created Woman.
EQUIP & EMPOWER
Get caught up on weekly devotionals