Just Because or Because

I had one of those “Ah Ha” moments this week in our staff meeting as we were visiting and sharing what we call “God Moments.” As I was communicating a team member’s situation, I made a comment using a word combination that I found to be intriguing “Just Because or Because.”  A team member had approached me about their role, whether it was the right fit and the fact that they felt as though they were doing their role in ministry “Just Because;” instead of doing their role “Because” they are called to that specific role.   Hmmmmmm, green light!  There is some wisdom in being honest with yourself, your job, your friends, your family or your calling and recognize the things that you do “Just Because!”  Have we arrived at a place where we accept doing things “Just Because, Just Because”   Here are some “Just Because” statements to ponder:

  • I say my grace before I eat, Just Because….
  • I disrespect adults, Just Because….
  • I go to a job that I don’t like, Just Because….
  • I stay in an abusive relationship, Just Because….
  • I am voting for so and so, Just Because….
  • I don’t believe in God, Just Because….
  • I don’t feel comfortable around those people, Just Because….
  • I don’t think she can be a Pastor, Just Because….
  • I am not doing that today, Just Because….
  • I raise my voice, Just Because….
  • I don’t likes so and so, Just Because….

Okay, you get the picture!  The bottom line is that these “Just Becauses” are nothing more than a bunch of Big Fat Excuses to not be intellectually honest and begin to do things “Because!” Do you find yourself or others you know doing things “Just Because?”  Share your thoughts!

  • http://www.laog.net/clifsblog Clif

    This one will trouble me all day, great thought.

  • http://hamfighters.blogspot.com Patrick Sievert

    I recently listened to Andy Stanley do a great message on this very thing.

    We do a lot of things “just because” but we tell ourselves we do them “because” but our “because” isn’t the real “because.”

    For instance, we buy a brand new Hummer “because it’s safe.”

    We don’t buy it because it’s safe! We because because we want it! We buy it “just because!”

    Or, another example: we move in together “for financial reasons.”

    That’s not really why people move in together. But they have to come up with a reason that sounds like a reason – not just “just because I want to” – so we make up a reason that isn’t really the reason.

    When we do this, we lie to ourselves and our “because” is really a “just because.” When we recognize that we do what we do “just because” we put ourselves in a position where God can steer us in a direction in life with a real “because.” But it’s really hard to be moved when you don’t know where you start from.

    Great word, Scott. Great word.

  • Anna

    I try to live my life in the “BECAUSE” I aim everyday to only do those things that I know I’m doing out of the overflow of my heart… and not just because…

    Thanks for writing this! I was amazed as I watched you figure this out in our meeting… it was truly a God-moment.

    You’re an awesome leader, Scott!

  • Scott Williams

    Clif- Thanks for the comment and thanks for being troubled!
    Patrick- Thanks for the comment, I have heard Andy Stanley’s name at least three times this week. Maybe I am supposed to be reading his book ar listening to a podcast or something.
    Anna- Thanks Anna, Your Awesome! I can’t wait to read your blog!

  • http://ichilly.typepad.com Chilly Chilton

    Good post, just because…

    Happy Halloween,
    Chilly

  • http://knowgreaterlove.org/wordpress1 Avery

    Great post bro!

  • Scott Williams

    Chilly- Thanks bro. same to you! I have had a few of your readers check out my blog. Thanks for the Link Love!
    Avery- Thanks, look forward to meeting you!

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