I’ve read dozens of self-help books through the years, in a continual quest to “find myself”, to find my “true purpose”, my “why”. The books have been helpful, to varying degrees, but I’ve noticed most have one thing in common – it’s all about me.
These books offer advice like, “Look within yourself”, “Think back to your childhood and write down what made you happy”, or “If you could do anything you wanted, what would it be?” I’m sure there’s merit in some of this advice, but I’ve come to believe the focus is wrong. You see I’m the problem, so why would I look inside myself for the solution?
Look Up
The more I’ve come to know Christ the more I’ve come to realize I’ve been looking in the wrong place for answers. The answers are not to be found by looking in, but in looking up, in “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
You see, if I have given my life to Jesus and accepted His blood as payment for my sins, the Bible says, “…it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20.
So, if the old me is no longer alive, then it doesn’t do much good to look to inside to find my “why”, my “purpose.” If it is Christ living in me, then I need to look at Him to find my purpose, my reason for living. His purpose must become my purpose, His ways my ways.
What was Jesus purpose? Luke 4:18-19 tells us. It says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me,to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”
Find Your Why
Are you looking for your “purpose”, your “why”? Then look no further. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, then this is why you were reborn, this is your reason for living: “To preach the gospel…to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty…”, in short, to do the work of Christ, to be His hands and feet.
In spite of what the books may tell you, the best way to help yourself is to help others. Fulfillment comes not from being served, but in serving others, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45.
Don’t waste your time any longer looking inside to find yourself. Instead, look to Jesus “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3. You have to die to find your “why”. His name is Jesus!
God bless and have a wonderful day!