A Great Question to Ask Yourself Often

 

Just as teachers know that lessons are more successful when students understand why they are doing what they are doing on any particular day, I believe God knows we live more purposeful lives when we ask ourselves the very same question,

“Why am I doing this?”

Whether it’s something as simple as a post we are making on Facebook or something as huge as the career we have chosen,

I think it’s good to stop and reflect on our motives and our goals as we move throughout life.

I’m an over-thinker by nature, so I can easily become frozen by over-analyzing my every move;

but even with that risk, I wouldn’t want to walk through life without a way of self-checking who I am and why I do what I do.

The Bible makes it very clear that certain actions will have specific results.

Why should we number our days?

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12

Why should we cry out to God?

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

Psalm 57:2

Why should we confess our sins?

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1:9

Why should we present our bodies as living sacrifices?

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Romans 12:1

Why should we lay aside every sin that tries to hold us back?

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us….

Heb. 12:1

Why should we count everything as loss compared with Jesus?

I count everything as loss…….that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.

Phil. 3:10

Why should we choose to follow Jesus and Jesus alone?

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

The Bible is filled with examples of how are decisions affect our day-to-day lives.

When we ask ourselves “why we are doing what we are doing” as we move through each new day we begin to be more purposeful, more focused, and more aware of just how much responsibility God has placed in our hands.

On the days when I don’t take time to reflect on my actions and my words, I find myself stumbling through life making all kinds of mistakes and not being the person I want to be.

I want to live a God-focused life.

I want people to see Jesus in me.

In order for me to do this daily, I have to keep my purpose right in front of me with every step I take.

Why am I doing this?

That’s the question I need to ask myself continually.

I often fall short, but I long for the answer to always be,

“So God will be glorified.”

If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.  

I Peter 4:11