How can you make a new year different from the previous one? Many of us know from experience that resolutions typically don’t last. What can help us really change for the better? Have you considered that knowing why you exist can change your perspective on life? A new perspective can make all the difference in the world because your focus will shift from how to why!
Too many times, we ask, how?
- How can I make more money?
- How can I lose weight?
- How can make this person like me?
- How can I have more influence?
How is important, but without a reason, how is powerless. Its like a flashlight without batteries. You need a real reason to make more money, lose weight, have influence, etc. Here’s a hint – just to make yourself happy is NOT a real reason for change. Isn’t that why we make most resolutions that fail? A real reason to change is for a purpose bigger than you. So, consider your ultimate purpose – why God made you!
For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. (Colossians 1:16)
Why did God make you? What is your purpose? He made you for Him! This is very important because it means you are special and have a purpose. You are not a meaningless accident, nor the result of random time and chance. You have worth because the Lord thought you were worth making! Think about that. Since you are worth something, what are you doing with your valuable life? What should you be doing with it? Now you have a real reason to change!
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Why Live for God?
Whatever you do with your valuable life, do it to bring glory to God. In modern times we don’t fully grasp the concept of working or fighting for the honor of a superior or ideal. We may get glimpses of it in books or movies when a hero does something “in the name of the king” or when athletes work together for a team victory. However, we often go about our days focused on ourselves, even though science has shown people living for something bigger than themselves have happier lives.[i] God says live for Him! He is the greatest cause to whom anyone could be devoted. Living for the Lord brings satisfaction, as one writer declared,
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul,
And fills the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:8-9)
Living for the Lord also brings rewards.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Seeking the Lord brings rewards and He satisfies the soul. This is very encouraging information, but why should we glorify God? Not only because He made us, but also because of His great love for us.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
While we were God’s enemies, rebels, and sinners, He showed incredible love for us. People are kind and loving towards friends and family. We may even help a stranger. Yet, who loves an enemy so much they would die to rescue the offender? No one but God! You might say, “I was never God’s enemy, how does this apply to me?” All of us have broken God’s commands, rebelled against His authority, and lived for ourselves. This is the sin that separated humanity, corporately and individually, from God. But He never stopped loving us!
This love is beyond human logic and requires a response. If you accept this undeserved love, you should love in return. We should be devoted to the Lord and glorify Him in response to His amazing love for us.
We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)
Friend, do you love God? If so, you have a real reason to change – to live for Him! Be influential to help others know Jesus. Make more money to help missionaries. Be healthy so you can go places and bring God glory. Fulfill your purpose and have true satisfaction this year.
(Adapted from my book Have You Heard from God Lately? Message 1)
[i] Various, such as: “The Secret to Happiness Is Helping Others” by Jenny Santi, https://time.com/collection/guide-to-happiness/4070299/secret-to-happiness/ accessed June 9, 2020 and “Happiness Comes from Giving, Not Buying and Having” by Steve Taylor Ph.D. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/out-the-darkness/201501/happiness-comes-giving-not-buying-and-having accessed June 9, 2020.