The Bigger the “Why”….

Jim Rohn is an American author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. His simple, down to earth, even folksy method of communication has inspired audiences for decades.

While Rohn’s writings and speech focus on self improvement, leadership, communication and goal setting, there’s definitely a spiritual basis and application in much of his material.

On his facebook page, Jim Rohn Daily Motivation, he offers this insightful thought.

“The bigger the ‘why,’ the easier the ‘how.’

My mind immediately turned to a passage by Paul written toward the end of his life while he was in a Roman prison.

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:13-14).

The apostle Paul is a great example of faithfulness, fidelity, and fortitude even as he dealt with many challenges in his ministry.

How did Paul deal with the severe persecution of beating, stoning, and many other perilous, life threatening situations? (2 Cor 12: 22-28)

Answer: He knew “why.”

How was Paul able to accept his “thorn in the flesh,” even after praying three times for its removal?

Answer: He knew “why.”

How did Paul keep on going in the face of false accusations about his motives?

Answer: He knew “why.”

How did Paul find the strength and courage to keep on teaching, preaching and writing even though he was imprisoned for preaching Christ? (Phil 1:12-25).

Answer: He knew “why.”

Paul knew “why” because he knew “who.”

Paul knew Jesus. He saw Jesus. And he was convinced and convicted of his sins by the risen savior. These scriptures offer insight into his motivation.

“I have been crucified with Christ; 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” (Gal. 2:20).

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him” (Rom. 6:8).

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

Paul earnestly desired the goal of heaven because that’s where Jesus is. That’s the reward of our labor. That’s the life that will transcend this life beyond our human comprehension and wildest dreams.

So, “how” do we stay focused on the “why”?

Rohn offered this challenge. “Remember that all success is based on long term commitment, faith, discipline, attitude, and a few other stepping stones along the way.” This is not only true in terms of physical and material success, these qualities are vital to achieve spiritual success. (The links to previous posts provide a Biblical basis).

Too often what hinders us is worrying about and living in the past. Rohn opined, “You can’t start the next chapter of your life, if you keep rereading the last one.” That’s why Paul said, “I forget the things which are behind.” Past problems, insults, injuries, sins, and weaknesses do not need to define our future. We can, like Paul, change. Grow. And reach forward toward the prize.

You may be reading this and say, “Preacher, you don’t know what I’m dealing with. You don’t know me. Or my problems.” That’s true. But don’t excuse your spiritual shortcomings because of the challenges you face.

Jim Rohn offered this advice regarding material success, and it applies to our spiritual progress as well. “If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.”

Finding and focusing on our “why” calls for a personal decision. Jim Rohn wrote, “You cannot make progress without making decisions.”

Whatever you face today in being faithful to the Lord. Remember this: “The bigger the ‘why,’ the easier the ‘how.’

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman