Here to Play
Reggie Joiner
November 24, 2020

Be honest, all of us have wrestled with the question:  “Why am I here?”

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In times like this we tend to ask WHY a lot.

Why can we only have pumpkin spice lattes in the fall?
Why are there only two choices for president?
Why isn’t there unbiased, objective news?
Why do Zoom calls always freeze?

It’s normal to ask why.

Be honest, all of us have wrestled with the question:
“Why am I here?”

Your ability to wonder “why” actually separates
you from the rest of the created world.

Lions and tigers and bears
don’t ask “why,” unless they live in Oz.

But humans have a persistent drive to
uncover their sense of identity
and purpose. 

Have you ever stopped to ask why you ask why?

It makes sense, actually.

Since God created you for a reason,
He is smart enough to design you to
question
pursue
discover
that reason.

It’s God’s way to keep you believing there’s something more.

So, back to the question:
“Why am I here?”

What word would you use to complete this sentence . . .
“I am here to ______ .”

There’s probably a list that comes to mind . . .
I am here to . . .
Participate
Contribute
Engage
Talk
Parent
Listen
Serve
Learn
Encourage
Volunteer

The point is, you and I were designed in the image of a
Creator to show up and engage with each other.

What if, at the risk of oversimplifying our existence, we summarize the answer to the question, “why am I here?” with this simple statement:

“I’m here to play.”

There’s a big idea packed into this small phrase.

It starts with the word “here,” which implies that we put a high value on being present.

Then there’s the conjunction “to,” which connects the idea of showing up to do something.

If I am “here to play” it simply means,
“I have decided to engage with others and enjoy life the way God intended.”

2,000 years ago, that’s exactly what Jesus did.
He showed up and engaged with humanity,
so we could understand what it means to really live. 

There’s never been a more important time for us to do the same.

We think there’s a generation watching and waiting to see if we’re really . . .
“here to play.”

To see more on the concept of “here to play,” as well as a video to share with your volunteers, check out OrangeLeaders.com/resources.

Aligning Leaders,   Coaching,   Leadership,   ReThink Leadership,  
Reggie Joiner WRITER
Reggie Joiner is founder and CEO of Orange, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to influence those who influence the next generation. Orange provides resources and training for churches and organizations that create environments for parents, kids, and teenagers. Before starting Orange in 2006, Reggie was one of the founders of North Point Community Church with Andy Stanley. During his 11 years there, Reggie helped guide the church’s growth through an emphasis on innovative approaches to ministry for families. Reggie has authored and co-authored several books including Think Orange, A New Kind of Leader, Seven Practices of Effective Ministry, Parenting Beyond Your Capacity, Lead Small, When Relationships Matter, It’s Just a Phase So Don’t Miss It, and his newest publication It’s Personal. Reggie and his wife, Debbie, live in North Georgia and have four adult children and four grandchildren.