Writing My Personal Why

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”— Jeremiah 17:7–8 (NIV)

Rooted to Bear Fruit

In a world driven by performance and busyness, we risk becoming like tumbleweeds—dry, directionless, and tossed by every gust of pressure. But Jeremiah calls us to another picture: a tree, rooted, nourished, stable, and fruitful. To become this tree, we must know where our roots are and why we’re growing. Just as trees don’t bear fruit by accident, neither do fruitful lives happen by default. Fruitfulness flows from being intentionally rooted in God and purposefully aligned with our why—our God-given reason for living.

Why You Need a Personal Why

Simon Sinek, in his influential book Start With Why, explains that people and organisations that thrive are those who lead with clarity of purpose. He writes, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” Though Sinek writes primarily for business and leadership contexts, his concept echoes a deeper biblical truth: clarity of calling leads to fruitful living. Apostle Paul knew his why: “To live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21). Jesus knew His why: “I have come to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). These weren’t vague mission statements—they were soul-defining convictions that gave focus to everything they did. Dallas Willard once said, “Meaning is not optional. Life only works—really works—when we live in light of it.” A personal why is a declaration of that meaning.

My Personal Why

My why stems from my life verse. This is: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” Colossians 1:13

1.       To walk in intimacy with Jesus—daily filled with His Spirit—living life as an adventure with Him.

2.       To study and internalise His Word so I can grow closer to God and encourage others through blogs, books, and teaching.

3.       To walk in the good works He has prepared for me (Ephesians 2:10), including:

• Being a godly husband, loving and encouraging my wife

• Preparing students for success now, beyond school, and for eternity. Supporting leaders, teachers, and staff with encouragement and prayer

• Listening to people’s stories and lifting them with grace

• Living out Jeremiah 17—being a fruitful tree of righteousness, rooted in Christ

  
  

How to Discover Your Why

Writing your personal why doesn’t start with career goals or dreams. It begins with your deepest convictions and your relationship with God.

Here are three simple tools to help you uncover it:

1. Start with Scripture and Prayer. Ask God for your life verse.   Ask God: “Who have You made me to be? What are the good works you’ve prepared for me?” Read passages like Ephesians 2:10, Jeremiah 17:7–8, John 15:5, and Romans 12:1–2.

2. Use Sinek’s Golden Circle   - Why – What is your core belief and motivation?   - How – What values or actions express that belief?   - What – What do you do that reflects your why?

3. Reflect on Key Life Moments   Look for patterns: What moments have felt most alive, purposeful, or meaningful? What feedback or encouragement have others given you that confirmed God’s calling?

Summary: A Why That Bears Fruit

Your “why” is not just a purpose—it’s a response to God’s love and calling. When rooted in Him, your life will bear fruit, even in seasons of drought. Writing your why gives clarity in confusion, strength in trials, and joy in obedience. God doesn’t need your résumé—He wants your rooted, Spirit-filled, intentional life. That’s where the fruit grows.

7 Questions to Help You Write Your Personal Why

·       1. When do I feel closest to God?

·       2. What breaks my heart or moves me deeply?

·       3. What strengths or spiritual gifts has God given me?

·       4. What do I long to be remembered for?

·       5. What themes keep reappearing in my life and prayer?

·       6. How do I want to love and serve others?

·       7. If I had one year left to live, what would I spend it doing?

A Personal Challenge

This week, take 30 minutes alone with God. Bring a notebook. Sit under a tree or in a quiet room. Ask Him three questions: -

1.       What is my life verse? What scripture reveals how He has made you and what He has made you for.

2.       “Lord, what do you say in Your Word about my identity?”

3.       “Lord, why have You made me?”

Now write your first draft. Don’t worry about perfect words. Just write your heart. Let it grow with you. Revisit it each year. And when you’re ready, share it with someone. Invite them to write their “why” too. Together, become trees that bear fruit in every season.