My son is in the stage of asking “why” about everything.
And if you’ve had kids, you know it’s tiresome. Sometimes it’s annoying. Occasionally, it’s downright infuriating.
But underneath every question is a simple truth: he wants a reason. And the hard part? I don’t always have one.
Sometimes it’s because I truly don’t know.
“Why does the hawk that lives nearby sometimes hop around on the ground?”
I have no idea. Maybe he’s searching for squirrel leftovers.
Other times, I do know the reason, but I know my son won’t accept it.
“Why can’t we have thirds at dinner?”
“Because we all had seconds and need to save the rest for tomorrow.”
“Why can’t we just make more?”
“We don’t have more ingredients.”
“Why can’t we buy more?”
You get the picture.
But as frustrating as the “why” questions can be, they highlight something essential: as Christians, we believe God’s plan is not only perfect but purposeful. Every detail is crafted for His glory.
And if that’s true, then we should strive to live the same way - intentionally.
Whatever you do, do it on purpose.
Living Intentionally
In our house, we don’t have a TV.
It’s not because we think TVs are sinful or wrong. We’ve just decided we’d rather limit screen time for our kids and spend that time and attention on each other instead.
But if you have a TV, that’s not a problem. As long as you can answer “why.”
“Why do we have a TV?”
“Because we enjoy shared experiences, laughter, excitement, and the emotions certain shows or movies bring.”
✅ Perfect. You’ve made a decision. On purpose.
The Bible is full of wisdom about intentional living:
Proverbs 21:5 (ESV) – “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV) – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Colossians 4:5 (ESV) – “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.”
God doesn’t call us to live frantically, accidentally, or reactively. He calls us to purpose.
Three Areas to Consider
1. Personal Self
Your mental, physical, and spiritual health matter because God entrusted your body and mind to you.
Why do you work out—or not?
Why do you eat the way you do—or don’t?
Taking care of your body can be an act of worship. But there are also seasons where other valid priorities push healthy habits to the side. No judgment here—as long as you know “why.”
2. Personal Family
Family discipleship is one of our most important callings.
Where does family Bible reading, prayer, worship, and fellowship fit in your life?
Notice: the question isn’t if it fits, but how.
God’s Word calls husbands and fathers to lead their homes spiritually. But the way that looks in your household doesn’t need to match mine. That’s okay—if it’s intentional.
3. Professional Life
Your job may allow you more or less flexibility than others, but every one of us makes daily choices.
When and where do you have lunch?
How do you spend breaks?
How do you interact with coworkers?
What attitude or demeanor do you carry?
None of these choices are automatically right or wrong. But if your purpose is to know God and make Him known, shouldn’t you stop and ask “why”?
How to Live on Purpose
Paul sums it up beautifully:
1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
So here’s how to start:
Ask “why” about everything you do, big and small.
Find the reason. Maybe you’ll confirm a good choice or realize something needs to change.
Align it with eternity. Peter reminds us: “Always be prepared to answer everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)
Living on purpose doesn’t mean upending your entire life. It means being able to say, with clarity and confidence:
I do this because…
I choose this so that…
And above all…
I do it for the glory of God.
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