Why Do You Do What You Do?

When the Calling Becomes a Place of Worship

“Why do you do what you do? Writing, gardening, teaching Bible study?”

I was recently asked this question and after days of pondering, resisting to give the answer that was on the tip of my tongue, here is my answer.

Let me preface this by saying this is for all of us. Not just for writers. Or gardeners. Or Bible study leaders. Perhaps you are a baker. A caregiver. A parent or grandparent. Aunt or uncle. The list could go on. Keep in mind as you read this, we are all called to make a difference using our talents and abilities. This devotional is intended for each of us to ask ourselves the “why” of what we do and keep that purpose in mind.

This Is My Why

Writing. I write because first and foremost, I accept the call on my life to use the talents God instilled in me when He formed me in my mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13-16). I’ve been writing since I was a child.

I write to bear witness of the truth, to bring hope in times of confusion and crisis. To help others see what’s beneath the surface during trying times.

Words. I write to say what others cannot, but use the words God puts in my heart to help the voiceless. To put into words what others feel but cannot express.

To plant seeds. Writing is planting seeds of hope, courage, love, and redemption. Some seeds may fall unnoticed or even rejected, but the seeds that take root in hearts slowly grow and bring comfort, the will to dream of better tomorrows, to find love, and to know there is redemption no matter our past. I write because if it helps one person, its worth the hours day after day, weeks and months if only for one person who needs it.

Gardening. I garden because it is in my bones to play in the dirt, to bring happiness through beautiful flowers, and to plant seeds that become food on our table. I like knowing what we grow is clean food, without chemicals and harmful additives. I like the freshness of our food from the garden to the table and no time stored in a warehouse or in a truck traveling across the highways or on a ship across the ocean. I have a personal relationship with the food on our table.

Bible study. I write and teach Bible studies because without God’s Word, nothing else matters. The books, food, flowers will fade away. Well, maybe the books will last for years to come but without preservation, they will eventually fall apart. But God’s Word lives forever. It is the source of life. It brings hope to a confused, dying world. It is the life in my bones, the health to my heart, and a divine call of God to spread the gospel message.

That’s why I do what I do and I refuse to stop. No quitting. Sometimes a shift. It might look different next month, next year than it does now, but the purpose in what I do will always remain.

Reflective Questions To Ask Yourself

• Is my heart still on the altar, or has it wandered? Check the altar of your heart. Sometimes we keep doing the assignment but forget the One who assigned it. Return to a posture of surrender.

• Am I on autopilot? What’s one routine or task that I can offer back to God as worship and obedience? Every task can be holy when it’s done unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Your office is a sanctuary. Your kitchen, a sacred place. Your parenting, a priestly duty. Your garden, a place of holy ground. It’s not only about what you’re doing, but who you’re doing it for.
• Do I pause before I begin? Before you do what you do, invite God into it. When your holy assignment feels more like a burden than a blessing, take it to the altar. Offer it to God. “Lord, I offer this to You. Let it be a fragrant offering” Ephesians 5:2.

Where Do We Go From Here?

Walk With God, remembering you are called to serve Him. Don’t let your identity become entangled in your productivity. Whatever you are called to do, do it intentionally, bathed in prayers and full of joy.

Let’s Pray

Father, search our hearts and purify our motives. Align our purpose with Yours in everything You have called us to do. Let us serve because of love, not for applause, and act from a heart of devotion to You, not as a task or performance. Help us walk humbly, serve faithfully, and love You fully. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Find a place to shut yourself away from the noise of the world and worship with Matt Redman, The Heart of Worship.

Check out a recent story from the series, The Story of Flowers. Wounded by Thorns, Redeemed by Grace.