“Because I Should” vs. “Because It Matters”

Motivation makes a difference.

Consider your typical volunteer. Or lay leader. Or staff member or spouse or child. Or … ouch … consider yourself.

“Because I should” motivates us to serve on the team, do the job, sign up for the thing because it’s the necessary thing to do. Somebody’s gotta do it. Looks like nobody else is doing it. So I suppose I should just suck it up and do it.

Whether it’s taking care of a first-time guest or taking out the garbage, “because I should” motivates for a moment, but it’s a lousy way to live. Eventually, “because I should” easily morphs into “why should I” and can eventually turn into “well maybe someone else should do this for a while.”

“Because it matters” motivates us to raise our hand, put our yes on the table, or step up before we’re called up because it’s the right thing to do. Maybe anybody could do it. Perhaps a lot of people are doing it. But because this is such an important role, it’s my privilege to do it.

Whether leading a new initiative or leading a friend to Christ, because it matters sets us on a new trajectory. A different trajectory. We no longer do the thing because we’re guilted to, but because we get to. And the funny thing about because it matters: one person with a firm resolve on the things that matter easily morphs into many people who buy in.

The stuff that matters is contagious that way.

Thanks to my friend David Talbert, and the conversation (and Post-It Note!) that inspired this post.

photo credit: Kayla Bailey