In the race of life, there are moments when we forget why we are running. We focus on how to be better, faster, and stronger. We waste fruitless hours bemoaning the uneven ground, the unexpected rocks, the sand in our shoes, and more. We see something lovely, our breath momentarily suspended, only to trip over our own feet and hit the ground.
It’s a long, hard race.
(Can I get an amen?)
In this race, every person, at some moment in time asks the question, ‘Why am I here?’ or ‘Why am I doing this?’.
Indeed, why are you here?
Why do you do what you do?
What do you want to be remembered for when you cross the finish line?
For myself, the past seven years have been like a never-ending obstacle course. I’ve bounded over hurdles, climbed ropes (and mountains), dodged flying objects—all in the effort to keep forward momentum. I cannot count the times I hit the ground and wondered aloud, “why on earth am I here?”
The answer is simple: I am here to glorify God. That is, and always has been, God’s intended purpose for my life and the lives of countless others. That is my “why.”
My “why” should dictate how to best serve God, my family and those within my circle of influence.
Whys from the Word
Why #1: I serve Christ
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.
You are serving the Lord Christ.
Why #2: I fear the Lord.
The end of the matter; all has been heard.
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the whole duty of man.
Why #3: I love God and my neighbors.
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God,
and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love,
I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains,
but have not love,
I am nothing.If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned,
but have not love,
I gain nothing.
We glorify God when we serve Him, fear Him and love Him.
“But, my job is lousy and my boss is a jerk!”
Who are you working for? You are working to provide for your family because you love them. You are working to provide for yourself so as not to burden others. You are working for the Lord. Remember your “Why.”
“My spouse/kids/parents fail to appreciate anything I do!”
Did Jesus’ disciples appreciate everything He did for them? Not really. If we love God and love others, we will love like Jesus loved.
“I can’t talk about God at work or at school. I’ll get fired/disciplined.”
Who do you fear more? God or people? Be an example of joy, hope, faith, and love. Be prepared to give an answer for the hope within you. Don’t hesitate to give credit where it is due. If you are working diligently and cheerfully in a lousy situation and someone asks, ‘How can you possibly be happy in this doing this?!’, you reply, ‘I’m working for the Lord.’ In doing this, you will have shown and spoken your purpose. Fear God.
Is life frustrating and purposeless for you? Make a list of the things which seem meaningless and ask yourself if you are fulfilling the purpose of the Lord by doing these things. If you are not, you need to re-evaluate what you are doing and adjust how or what you are doing to fulfill the Lord’s purpose for you.
Elihu's Corner 
Amen!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Amen! This was well said. Such encouraging words. In the process of glorifying God, He’ll often make it fun for us, too. I always forget that part, but when we just start singing His praises, working for the Lord, He tends to make life more joyous. Or we can just wander around in the desert murmering and grumbling. 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Good point. Better to sing than to grumble. 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
LikeLike
Perfectly said, Elihu! After firmly saying that we are saved by grace, through faith, not by works, Paul reminded his readers that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ to do good works. “How am I saved?” Through Christ alone. “Why am I here?” To do good works–loving God, loving the neighbor, and if that’s not enough to keep us busy, there’s a Top Ten list to remind us why we are here. J.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Absolutely! I love it when one of the lawyers tells Jesus those two commandments—love your neighbor & love God—and Jesus says to Him, “you are not far from the kingdom of God!”
Thank you for your great comment, J. God bless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good stuff here friend. You have captured the essence. If we keep in mind just what the point is, that being every single things you listed starting with we only exist in the first place for His glory, then the rest will always work out fine.
God works all things to the good of those who love Him…paraphrasing some there.
I heard it said once that if we truly devote ourselves, God will give us every single thing we want. That’s not some prosperity Gospel talk either.What it means is our “wanter” will be fixed and we will come to want the same thing God wants. Then, we get every single thing we want, and we become very satisfied.
Good one friend, thanks
LikeLiked by 3 people
I like that—- “our ‘wanter” will be fixed.” Indeed! There is no sweeter realization than to discover that aligning our will with God brings true riches—love, joy, peace, patience etc. Jesus is our greatest treasure!
Thanks for your great comment, Wally!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Solid post and very inspiring. We are really here to glorify God and I like the exercise of ridding one’s life of meaningless stuff.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, it’s easy to get bogged down with the unnecessary. Thank you for your encouraging comment!
LikeLike
So good and encouraging. Thank you. I really needed to hear this today. I also really enjoyed everyone’s comments as well. Bless you all. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad! I hope you have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person