It’s the WHY – not the WHAT – That Matters Most

It’s the WHY – not the WHAT – That Matters Most
A New Look at the New Year’s Resolution

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31

Newspaper ads and facebook posts are filled with exercise equipment, organizing tools, and weight loss products – a sure sign another new year is upon us. Through the years, I’ve jumped in with the crowd, making my own share of commitments to make this the year that I will lose weight, get in shape, get organized, read more, watch less, and somehow become that person I just know I was intended to be.

The problem with all those resolutions?  One little one-letter word:  I.

So many of those resolutions make it all about me.

It’s not a bad thing to evaluate where you and where you need to be.  And certainly your doctor would affirm your desire to get in shape, your financial advisor would say “save more,” and your favorite charity would say, “give more.”  Getting organized reduces stress.  Getting in shape reduces our waistline and cholesterol. These are all good things. All are worthy of the “what” list when it comes to making New Year’s Resolutions.

But is what really the right question?

What about the why?

Why do I want to lose weight? Why do I want to get organized, save more for retirement, and watch less television? Is it to look good for the up-coming class reunion?  To post hot selfies on Facebook? To retire early and travel?

Is it really all about me?

As a disciple of Christ, I’m challenged by Paul’s words to the Corinthians to make it more about the why than the what:

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
I Corinthians 10:31

I am on this planet to bring glory to God.  I was created for this purpose.  That means, then, that experiencing real satisfaction means making it all about Him.

So whether I eat more – or eat less, whether I read more — or watch less, if I’m doing it for the glory of God, there is purpose.  There is an important why behind the what.

My ONE resolution for 2014: Do it for the glory of God.

Surely, there is no better why than that.

Happy New Year!