Socrates has famously stated, “An unexamined life is not worth living,” prompting profound reflection on the purpose and direction of our lives. In parallel, the venerable King Solomon, known for his wisdom, echoes a similar sentiment when he declares that “everything we do in life is vanity,” as noted in Ecclesiastes 1:2 and further explored throughout that book in the Bible. This assertion compels us to dig deeper into our daily actions and motivations, reinforcing the importance of self-examination.
As we navigate through our day-to-day lives, we must understand that the question of “why we do” something holds greater significance than merely pondering “what we will do.” The motivations behind our choices reveal our true values and, ultimately, what or who we end up worshiping.
We are never to be so consumed by the responsibilities God has entrusted us with by making them items we worship.
The purpose of our life and actions is to glorify God above all else. This is the higher REASON aligned with God's will for our days, Don’t settle for smaller reasons. See how Paul states by reading Colossians 3:1-5.
To be heavenly-minded for the daily earthly good works we are called to do involves having the proper godly reason to be doing them in the first place.
That's the call to worship and glorify God in everything we do!
Jesus says, “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)
The small shift in attention to why we do things and why we have been blessed, helps us see that God is the all-sufficient giver of life and giver of the gifts in our life that we receive daily.
The gifts of learning and why we go to school.
The gift of your job and why you work.
The gift of your kids and why you are raising them.
The gift of your spouse and why you got married.
The gift of your grandkids and why you adore them.
The gift of our days and why God is not done with you.
This shift uncovers a meaningful purpose that goes beyond just the mundane everyday tasks. The point of our days and the blessings we receive is to shine and share His light.
That is what glorifying God looks like.
Being rooted in our purpose as image-bearing beings to reflect, resemble, and represent the Holy Creator of All Things, should strengthen and empower us for our days.
It can help us get moving in the morning- when life is tough or even when we are bored with life and our routine. Through this reflection of “why” and directing its answer to be shaped by biblical reasons of purpose and meaning in your life we find the motivation to love Jesus deeper in our everyday living. Through the reflection on "why," we can wholeheartedly embrace and live out God's command: "…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
So go ahead and examine life with the question of “Why you live". It will reveal what you worship.
Then open the Word and begin to shape your answers toward more God-Glorifying, Jesus-centered reasons for the answer to “Why”
I pray this can be the initial step towards embracing and living for something bigger than yourself.