Why do you do what you do?

An interview with John Slater, VP of Business Development, ImmunoCeutica Labs and Technologies

A man came across three stonecutters and asked them what they were doing. The first replied, “I am making a living.” The second kept on hammering while he said, “I am doing the best job of stonecutting in the entire county.” The third looked up with a visionary gleam in his eye and said, “I am building a cathedral.” This well-known “Story of the Three Stonecutters” illustrates a heart motivation lesson: Survival living and self-actualization goals are not enough! Why do you do what you do? Only knowing our passionate life purpose, such as pursuing Christ-likeness, will satisfy the soul and truly please our God!

John’s story

Growing up in a Christian home, with a father as pastor, John knew Christian values, yet he still wrestled with worldly influences. Struggling academically, he dropped out of high school. But he later attended university, eventually got his MBA degree, which led to a business career in the pharmaceutical field. Still, he wrestled with worldly and Christian value commitments.

Four years ago, John left the corporate pharmaceutical world and restructured his career, to join a smaller networked group. Pleasing God is now his first priority. The turning point, for John, was his acknowledgment that his life’s purpose actually originates from God! Therefore, aligning his professional work with faith, pursuing glorifying God and serving others has become his passionate desire.  Integrity in decision-making and stewardship of resources, plus seeking to encourage those around him, are all a part of what God calls him to do, as a Christian business owner and leader.

What has changed? It’s all about heart motivation. Why does he do what he does? Worldly values such as the need for recognition, to be in control, self-actualization, stroking ego – all of which are rooted in that deep-seated temptation called pride – must be fought and overcome.

Is there a reward, when we become aligned with God’s purposes and passions designed for us, as individuals and followers of Him? YES! Blessings such as abundance of joy, heightened sense of fulfillment, satisfaction in obeying God, and furthermore, the awareness that our lives can have a positive impact on the lives of others, are all amazing benefits.

Resilience, and that much cherished benefit – endurance in the face of opposition, hardships, obstacles and challenges – must also be celebrated. If you want to learn more, read The Obstacle is the Way: The Ancient Art of Turning Adversity to Advantage by Ryan Holiday, highlighting a perspective of stoicism. “It’s not what you do, but how much love you put into it that matters,” says Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?

Ultimately, purpose is found in Christ. Passion is fueled by the Holy Spirit. Both are meant to glorify God and serve others. John notes that intentionality and commitment in asking God for discernment to better understand our heart’s priorities is not a one-time request, but a daily need.

Biblical Principles

Purpose: God’s Plan, Not Just Our Dreams 

    • “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

    • “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 

 Passion: A Fire That Fuels God’s Calling

    • “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3: 23-24

    • “For zeal for your house consumes me.” Psalm 69:9a. Jesus Himself was consumed with passion for God’s house and mission.

What’s your first love? What are you passionate about? “Passion gives you an advantage over others, because one person with passion is greater than 99 who have only an interest!” says John C. Maxwell.

Yet passion alone is not enough.  An action plan is needed. Maxwell adds: “Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. Don’t ever underestimate the power of planning. You can’t make your vision come to life unless you outline each goal-driven step at a time. And you can’t reach your full potential unless you plan how to make the most of your purpose and passion.”

To live productively, fulfilling life’s purpose to glorify God, is a balancing act, and requires ongoing readjustment, including a daily heart search, and prayer-focused living. Motivation is essential to hold you to your course, driving you relentlessly through the obstacles and inevitable challenges that must be faced. Want some practical advice? Know your life purpose! It will help you understand why you do what you do.