Do You Know Your Why? - Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12

Come, Follow Me: New Testament 2023 (May 8-14)

In his best-selling book, Start with Why, Simon Sinek challenges leaders to be crystal clear and laser focused on the purpose, or why, of their company or team. Sounds logical, doesn’t it? Once you know your why, then everything else, the how and the what, can be aligned with that purpose. 

God is clear about His why: “For behold, this is my work and my glory–to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

And He is clear about what should be ours: “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39). 

Elder Robert F. Orton reiterates this heavenly why, “Given the purpose of our existence, if we do not love God and neighbor, whatever else we do will be of little eternal consequence.”

It’s not easy staying focused on the why of loving God and our neighbors. There is strong competition by Satan whose why is to have us prioritize the treasures of the earth, love darkness rather than light, and contend with neighbors with anger.   

Staying focused on our purpose requires consistent, diligent surveillance. The Sabbath day is a perfect time to assess your personal progress with these questions: 

• Am I still committed to my why? 

• Am I using my talents to fulfill my purpose?

• Are my recent actions aligned with my why? 

• Are my future plans aligned with my why?

• Where have I detoured from my why and how can I get back on track?

Don’t forget in your assessment to celebrate every small step of success, honor lessons learned, and recognize all efforts. Remember, “The Lord loves effort” (President Nelson).