Why?

I am a very inquisitive person.  I mean, I ask questions all the time.  I am curious about how things work and why things happen the way they do.  I think it all comes from my love to learn new things.  Whether that’s why I am the way I am, or not, I like to ask questions.  I have been told that I ask more questions that a curious five year old who is trying to figure out the world!  I’m OK with that though...How are you supposed to learn if you do not ask questions?!?

Anyway, earlier this week I was sitting at my desk minding my own business and I received an email from my good friend and mentor.  The subject line simply said, “Why”.  I opened the email and began to read questions of why...Here are a few things that I read.

Why do we pray?
Why do we worship?
Why did God make me?
Why did Jesus die for me?
Why hasn’t Jesus come back yet…. Now would be a good time?
Why do we have to work?
Why does pizza give you bad breath?
Why? Why? Why?

After reading all the questions, I did what any good friend would do, I proceeded to answer them.  Meredith style, of course!  Some of my answers?

Why did God make me?
He had a momentary lapse of judgment… Or because He loves you and has a plan for you.  One of the two.
Why hasn’t Jesus come back yet…. Now would be a good time?
I think His watch is broke…Now would be a GREAT time…I guess there's still things to accomplish in that whole He has a plan for you thing.
Why does pizza give you bad breath?
Why are you smelling your breath after you eat pizza?
Why? Why? Why?
When you figure it out, let me know.

Disclaimer… The whole momentary lapse of judgment thing…it’s a joke.  Laugh.

While I had fun with some of the answers, the questions really got me thinking. The next day I listened to a sermon and everything began to click.  Why?  A simple, but so complex answer, can be found in five words; “For the Glory of God.”

Why do we pray?  To bring glory to God.  John 14:13- “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
Why do we worship?  To bring glory to God…and because He is worthy. Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
Why did God make me? To bring glory to Himself. Isaiah 43:7- “Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”
Why did Jesus die for me?  To bring glory to His name.  John 12:20-28; 13:30-32; 17:1
Why hasn’t Jesus come back yet? His timing is perfect, but when He does come back, He’s coming back for His glory. 1 Thessalonians 1:10-12
Why do we have to work? To bring glory to His name. Matthew 5:16- “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Why does pizza give you bad breath?  Who knows, but we are to eat for the glory of God.  1 Corinthians 10:31- “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Why? Because.  Because God deserves all the glory, honor and praise.  He alone is worthy.  As Christians, we are called to bring glory to God in everything we do. 

What is glory?
Glory can be defined as “adoring praise or worshipful thanksgiving.”

What does that mean for you?  
Everything you do, do it for Him and Him alone.  The reason we can do all the things we can do is because He gives us the ability and talent to do so.  In response, we should praise Him for it. 

Why?  For the glory of God.

May everything we do and say be for the glory of God.