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Know Your Why: Finding and Fulfilling Your Calling in Life
“Challenging, inspiring and practical.”
Bear Grylls
“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to write about the significance of knowing your purpose than my friend Ken Costa… His new book, Know Your Why, is absolutely foundational to living a purpose driven life.”
Rick Warren
“Among the crush and the rush of life, there's no better guide in the pursuit of getting it right than my friend Ken Costa… I highly recommend Know Your Why, and am confident you will see more clearly and live more purposefully after absorbing the wisdom in its pages.”
Louie Giglio, Pastor, Passion City Church, Passion Conferences
“This is an important and timely book. In a world of seemingly endless options, discerning the voice of God can be an increasingly difficult task. Ken draws on decades of experience to help Christians cut through the confusion and distractions and live lives in tune with God.”
Andy Stanley, Senior Pastor, North Point Ministries
“There are few people on this planet that I find more fascinating than Ken Costa. His capacity for business is only outweighed by his affection for the local church; and he has beautifully modelled to a generation what it means to live out your calling and build the Kingdom.”
Brian Houston, Global Founder and Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church
Are you working for cash, a career, a cause—or a calling? “Why do you do what you do?”
People work for a variety of reasons.
For many, the primary purpose of their work is cash. Their principal motivation is the paycheck that funds their everyday needs. Their work is a means to an end. Others are motivated by ambitions for a career, to move up the professional ladder and expand their experience, becoming more skilled in a particular area. Still others work for a cause, believing in the wider purpose of their work, attempting to make a difference in the world—to leave a mark in some way.
All of these are legitimate motivations. However, missing from all three is any sense of the value of work itself. The focus is on the output of the workplace, rather than valuing the input.
What we need is calling. Those who see their work as a calling experience a rich integration in their lives. They sense a purpose, a direction to their activities. Work has intrinsic meaning, rather than being simply a means to an end. In many ways this is precisely what the Spirit of God does in our lives. When we are in the flow of the Spirit, we are cooperating fully in our God-given callings. When people embrace their callings, they love their work, can manage inevitable tensions that arise, and are welcomed by their colleagues, who sense that there is something beyond the cash or career objectives. But how do we get there?
Know Your Why is written with one to help you find your life’s calling so that you can be more satisfied, fulfilled, and happier at work.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”
—John 15:16 NIV
Bear Grylls
“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to write about the significance of knowing your purpose than my friend Ken Costa… His new book, Know Your Why, is absolutely foundational to living a purpose driven life.”
Rick Warren
“Among the crush and the rush of life, there's no better guide in the pursuit of getting it right than my friend Ken Costa… I highly recommend Know Your Why, and am confident you will see more clearly and live more purposefully after absorbing the wisdom in its pages.”
Louie Giglio, Pastor, Passion City Church, Passion Conferences
“This is an important and timely book. In a world of seemingly endless options, discerning the voice of God can be an increasingly difficult task. Ken draws on decades of experience to help Christians cut through the confusion and distractions and live lives in tune with God.”
Andy Stanley, Senior Pastor, North Point Ministries
“There are few people on this planet that I find more fascinating than Ken Costa. His capacity for business is only outweighed by his affection for the local church; and he has beautifully modelled to a generation what it means to live out your calling and build the Kingdom.”
Brian Houston, Global Founder and Senior Pastor of Hillsong Church
Are you working for cash, a career, a cause—or a calling? “Why do you do what you do?”
People work for a variety of reasons.
For many, the primary purpose of their work is cash. Their principal motivation is the paycheck that funds their everyday needs. Their work is a means to an end. Others are motivated by ambitions for a career, to move up the professional ladder and expand their experience, becoming more skilled in a particular area. Still others work for a cause, believing in the wider purpose of their work, attempting to make a difference in the world—to leave a mark in some way.
All of these are legitimate motivations. However, missing from all three is any sense of the value of work itself. The focus is on the output of the workplace, rather than valuing the input.
What we need is calling. Those who see their work as a calling experience a rich integration in their lives. They sense a purpose, a direction to their activities. Work has intrinsic meaning, rather than being simply a means to an end. In many ways this is precisely what the Spirit of God does in our lives. When we are in the flow of the Spirit, we are cooperating fully in our God-given callings. When people embrace their callings, they love their work, can manage inevitable tensions that arise, and are welcomed by their colleagues, who sense that there is something beyond the cash or career objectives. But how do we get there?
Know Your Why is written with one to help you find your life’s calling so that you can be more satisfied, fulfilled, and happier at work.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”
—John 15:16 NIV
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2016
187 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 10, 2021
In many ways a follow up to "God at Work", this book (which I read on a retreat weekend in the Penshurst Retreat Centre in Sussex in 2016 just before changing jobs).
It concentrates on the subject of God's calling on your life but very much taking the view that the calling can be worked out in a place of secular work as well as ministry.
Each chapter examines a different aspect of calling and looks at a combination of bible stories as well as verses and worship songs and situations either in Costa's own career or those of his friends.
Called to passion: which looks at when two of Johns disciples follow Jesus and he turns and asks them what it is they are looking for; the chapter says Jesus is asking is the same question today and concludes that the key is to first have an inner self and core identity settled in Christ.
Called to engage: this starts from the verse that "in Christ all things hold together" and argues that this includes the world of commerce and reminds us of the need to be salt in the world and to act in love furthering God's kingdom here on earth in our workplace.
Called to flourish: which draws on the parable of the talents, the prophet's widow (from the time of Elisha), the story of Ananias, the parable of the talents and the parable of the mustard seed to look at how we can obediently invest our skills in small ways to produce great works.
Called to wait: which looks out how we often have to wait on God for a sense of direction or for promises to be fulfilled, but like David in the cave should not cut corners.
Called to choose: which says that we will be called to crossroads moments (Jeremiah 6:16) such as a potential change in career and gives practical advice on making God inspired choices.
Called to courage: which discusses the courage needed but available to us to take risks and to fail - which interestingly draws on the story of Leah and how ultimately on the birth of Judah she took strength in the Lord and produced the ancestor to David and Jesus.
Called to focus: sources of distraction and how to deal with them.
Called to persevere: how to face and deal with obstacles/mountains.
Called to worship: how worship is wider than just sung worship but how the latter can be very powerful; how worship is a response to God but also a way to receive from him and importantly to realign ourselves and our actions and thoughts.
Called to break borders (which draws on the words of the Hillsong song "Oceans"); the most interesting part here looks at the calling of Gideon and how God enabled him to overcome his doubt and fears and conquer the Midianites in his own strength.
Overall a deeper read than his first book and one that repays careful study, but which like the first is very readily related to the world of work in a high profile and demanding role in the City.
It concentrates on the subject of God's calling on your life but very much taking the view that the calling can be worked out in a place of secular work as well as ministry.
Each chapter examines a different aspect of calling and looks at a combination of bible stories as well as verses and worship songs and situations either in Costa's own career or those of his friends.
Called to passion: which looks at when two of Johns disciples follow Jesus and he turns and asks them what it is they are looking for; the chapter says Jesus is asking is the same question today and concludes that the key is to first have an inner self and core identity settled in Christ.
Called to engage: this starts from the verse that "in Christ all things hold together" and argues that this includes the world of commerce and reminds us of the need to be salt in the world and to act in love furthering God's kingdom here on earth in our workplace.
Called to flourish: which draws on the parable of the talents, the prophet's widow (from the time of Elisha), the story of Ananias, the parable of the talents and the parable of the mustard seed to look at how we can obediently invest our skills in small ways to produce great works.
Called to wait: which looks out how we often have to wait on God for a sense of direction or for promises to be fulfilled, but like David in the cave should not cut corners.
Called to choose: which says that we will be called to crossroads moments (Jeremiah 6:16) such as a potential change in career and gives practical advice on making God inspired choices.
Called to courage: which discusses the courage needed but available to us to take risks and to fail - which interestingly draws on the story of Leah and how ultimately on the birth of Judah she took strength in the Lord and produced the ancestor to David and Jesus.
Called to focus: sources of distraction and how to deal with them.
Called to persevere: how to face and deal with obstacles/mountains.
Called to worship: how worship is wider than just sung worship but how the latter can be very powerful; how worship is a response to God but also a way to receive from him and importantly to realign ourselves and our actions and thoughts.
Called to break borders (which draws on the words of the Hillsong song "Oceans"); the most interesting part here looks at the calling of Gideon and how God enabled him to overcome his doubt and fears and conquer the Midianites in his own strength.
Overall a deeper read than his first book and one that repays careful study, but which like the first is very readily related to the world of work in a high profile and demanding role in the City.
February 28, 2021
One of the things I appreciate about this book is that the author, Ken Costa writes about Christian calling from a lay person's perspective. He reminds us that church pastors aren't the only ones responsible for, or the only ones called to ministry. But that every Christ-follower is called to minister within their vocation. And then he outlines what that calling involves. This book is similar to Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life. In fact, Rick Warren wrote the foreword. But Costa looks specifically at seeing your vocation as a calling. The book is written specifically to Christ-followers. And presents many thoughtful ideas that will challenge you, not only in how you approach your vocation, but how you approach life as a Christ-follower.
December 10, 2025
If you are devout Christian, one who believes that Jesus wants financial prosperity for his followers, and that banking can be a mission towards sharing such prosperity.. then you are the target audience for this book.
Not saying that every book should be for everyone, but this book somehow arrived on my doorstep in a box, and it is not for me. I passed it on, after confirming it won’t actively hurt anyone.
But since it reads very specific meanings into Jesus‘s teachings, it would probably confuse anyone who isn’t headed towards the upper middle class in America.
Not saying that every book should be for everyone, but this book somehow arrived on my doorstep in a box, and it is not for me. I passed it on, after confirming it won’t actively hurt anyone.
But since it reads very specific meanings into Jesus‘s teachings, it would probably confuse anyone who isn’t headed towards the upper middle class in America.
August 24, 2017
Inspiring and Practical
If you want to refine your calling or unique purpose for your time on earth and then be inspired to take the next steps, start reading and expect your life direction to become laser-focussed. Though sometimes the biblical examples and historical examples seemed plucked from a sermon, Ken Costa's heart for seeing followers of God actually following God in their vocation comes through and inspired me to take the next steps in my teaching career.
If you want to refine your calling or unique purpose for your time on earth and then be inspired to take the next steps, start reading and expect your life direction to become laser-focussed. Though sometimes the biblical examples and historical examples seemed plucked from a sermon, Ken Costa's heart for seeing followers of God actually following God in their vocation comes through and inspired me to take the next steps in my teaching career.
October 13, 2024
Oh, goody. Another filthy rich white Christian man telling you to suck it because it's God's will. Just what a weary world needs!
The introduction was by Rick Fucking Warren, which is all you need to know about the quality of Christian Ken Costa is -- a rich, white, bullshit artist.
He does write that meditation and being in the present is important. But those are Eastern concepts, Ken. What hypocrites rich Christians are. Back in the 1970s, anything Eastern, including yoga, were considered nothing but gateway drugs to full-on Satan worship. But Christians needed to keep roping in new followers and their wallets, so now meditation is cool.
I was raised a Born Again Christian and, instead of getting me the horse I wanted, my parents sent me to a private Christian school, which costed far more than a horse would've. But happiness was a sin. Whatever I said I wanted to be when I grew up was met with laughter, derision, lectures on how selfish I was, or that I was too stupid to know any better.
For 12 years, it was drilled into me almost every damn day that God's will was better than my own. Any day now, God would call me into just what He wanted me to do.
Any day now.
Nothing.
All through elementary, middle, high school -- no calling.
I told Mom I wanted to skip college and go right to work so I could get a place of my own, and maybe go horseback riding again.
She told me if I did that, she'd throw all of my stuff in the garbage, change the locks, and disown me. Being so brainwashed and abused, I believed her.
I wanted to major in Art. She told me I wasn't good enough and made me major in English.
I graduated with honors and started applying for jobs. I got back the exact same reason for not being hired -- too overqualified. I could only get a minimum wage job at CVS. Which I could've done without college, without the oppressive private school, and with a horse.
But being happy is not being a good Christian.
"Worship is the most important thing I can do on this earth," writes Ken Costa, in the comfort of his millions.
Fuck you, Ken Costa.
The introduction was by Rick Fucking Warren, which is all you need to know about the quality of Christian Ken Costa is -- a rich, white, bullshit artist.
He does write that meditation and being in the present is important. But those are Eastern concepts, Ken. What hypocrites rich Christians are. Back in the 1970s, anything Eastern, including yoga, were considered nothing but gateway drugs to full-on Satan worship. But Christians needed to keep roping in new followers and their wallets, so now meditation is cool.
I was raised a Born Again Christian and, instead of getting me the horse I wanted, my parents sent me to a private Christian school, which costed far more than a horse would've. But happiness was a sin. Whatever I said I wanted to be when I grew up was met with laughter, derision, lectures on how selfish I was, or that I was too stupid to know any better.
For 12 years, it was drilled into me almost every damn day that God's will was better than my own. Any day now, God would call me into just what He wanted me to do.
Any day now.
Nothing.
All through elementary, middle, high school -- no calling.
I told Mom I wanted to skip college and go right to work so I could get a place of my own, and maybe go horseback riding again.
She told me if I did that, she'd throw all of my stuff in the garbage, change the locks, and disown me. Being so brainwashed and abused, I believed her.
I wanted to major in Art. She told me I wasn't good enough and made me major in English.
I graduated with honors and started applying for jobs. I got back the exact same reason for not being hired -- too overqualified. I could only get a minimum wage job at CVS. Which I could've done without college, without the oppressive private school, and with a horse.
But being happy is not being a good Christian.
"Worship is the most important thing I can do on this earth," writes Ken Costa, in the comfort of his millions.
Fuck you, Ken Costa.
September 3, 2025
I do not know what is more impressive, the extensive lists of names that were included at the beginning of the book giving praise for "Know Your Why", or his many accomplishments in the commercial and business world as well as his leadership in many areas including Alpha International. I think this book would be very helpful especially for the millennials and younger folks that are striving to figure out their personal and professional lives in today's chaotic and me-centered world. I think he sums his book up best in the acknowledgments when he writes: "I have tried to distill some of my own forty years of experience in business and finance into something practical and applicable in the everyday of our rapidly changing world." Mission has been accomplished in my opinion. There is a great story in chapter 4 about a group of young men that took on the human trafficking evil that eventually resulted in the Modern Slavery Act in the United Kingdom. I like the quote in Chapter 8: "You must not say, 'God, I have a big problem,' but 'Problem, I have a big God.'" We could all take that one to the bank. Finally, his chapter on worship was very meaningful and pointed out that worship is an integral part of our faith. He gives us some practical ideas on how to rethink and reapply worship to our journey as Christians.
December 11, 2017
If you're looking for inspiration to re-focus your life, set your priorities straight, sift out unnecessary distractions and fully commit to a life-worth living full of the Holy Spirit, Ken Costa's "Know Your Why" is a good place to start. In the mould of influential books such as Rick Warren's "The Purpose-Driven Life" this motivational book really goes back to basics. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ken Costa's experience in the financial sector of the City of London shines through too, providing a unique Christian perspective to a world not usually synonymous with people who could be described as displaying virtuous Christian living, integrity or being an inspirational life-changing example. There's much to learn from this man who's clearly talking the talk and walking the walk.
Ken Costa's experience in the financial sector of the City of London shines through too, providing a unique Christian perspective to a world not usually synonymous with people who could be described as displaying virtuous Christian living, integrity or being an inspirational life-changing example. There's much to learn from this man who's clearly talking the talk and walking the walk.
October 13, 2019
Ken Costa has done many great things for the Christian and continues to work in the city of London. Are we all supposed to be in ministry, doctors, nurses, teachers or non-profits in order to have a calling? How about waiters, finance people or drivers? Costa posited that God wants us to be in the world and not of the world. That is, God wants us to glorify Him in all kinds of jobs. That is why he called his disciples from all walks of life. Costs proceeded to give advice for how to make decisions and succeed.
1. Know yourself
2. Analyse the problem
3. Ask people
4. Read the bible
5. Pray, alone and together
6. Wait on God
7. Make decision
8. Just do it
9. Focus and work hard
10. Worship
11. Let the Holy Spirit lead
1. Know yourself
2. Analyse the problem
3. Ask people
4. Read the bible
5. Pray, alone and together
6. Wait on God
7. Make decision
8. Just do it
9. Focus and work hard
10. Worship
11. Let the Holy Spirit lead
August 16, 2020
This is a good book that would benefit almost anyone middle school aged and older. Its a Christian perspective on living life and there were a lot of great points that really grabbed me.
One point was that our work, whatever work it is we do, is a part of our worship of God. Its an application of Colossians 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" but its a lot bigger than just that.
This was a recommendation from my friend Gail. I bought it and its a book I plan to read again in the future. This would be great for a book club, possibly good for a Bible/book study, and an excellent graduation gift.
One point was that our work, whatever work it is we do, is a part of our worship of God. Its an application of Colossians 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" but its a lot bigger than just that.
This was a recommendation from my friend Gail. I bought it and its a book I plan to read again in the future. This would be great for a book club, possibly good for a Bible/book study, and an excellent graduation gift.
March 7, 2021
If you want to be inspired to set out the adventure of living your life as the man or woman God created you to be and in the calling and purpose He has for your life - then this book is for you.
I love reading books on this topic and this is by far one of the best. Ken Costa wrote this. in such a way that, even if you’re not a Christian or big on God, it can inspire you to break free from the borders we confine ourselves to and break into the freedom that comes from living the purpose driven lives we were created to live!
I love reading books on this topic and this is by far one of the best. Ken Costa wrote this. in such a way that, even if you’re not a Christian or big on God, it can inspire you to break free from the borders we confine ourselves to and break into the freedom that comes from living the purpose driven lives we were created to live!
November 10, 2017
An enlightening and practical read. I appreciate that Ken Costa includes scripture and the gospel's message throughout the text. He also doesn't shy away from speaking into qualities that even he himself might be weak on. We can't expect everyone to be excellent at everything. Ken speaks with humility on several issues, providing encouragement for others and also acknowledging his own need to grow in the area.
A great book.
A great book.
December 29, 2021
This is a good book to ad to the ‘Discovering/understanding your calling/purpose’ shelf of books as it has a solid biblical grounding and is written from the perspective of a businessman rather than a pastor or church leader.
At times the author presented his experiences in an idealised way which meant at times it was difficult to relate to.
I really enjoyed the chapter on worship where Costa describes worship as “The alignment of our hopes and desires with those that God has for us”.
At times the author presented his experiences in an idealised way which meant at times it was difficult to relate to.
I really enjoyed the chapter on worship where Costa describes worship as “The alignment of our hopes and desires with those that God has for us”.
February 23, 2019
Now I have more questions how to spot what is my calling than I had before. I feel confused. Although, book is inspiring and reassuring of God's promises, that He has a good plan for us, but different from our human understanding in this life. I feel need for re-reading this book for second time and slowly.
March 18, 2023
2 stars ⭐️⭐️
This book would have had the same impact if it was a dot point list of chapter headings and key points. It follows the same pattern as a lot of Christian books in that if you aren’t in the habit of reading them it feels really weird. This feels designed for people that are already on a specific path and want encouragement but wouldn’t encourage someone to get in the path.
This book would have had the same impact if it was a dot point list of chapter headings and key points. It follows the same pattern as a lot of Christian books in that if you aren’t in the habit of reading them it feels really weird. This feels designed for people that are already on a specific path and want encouragement but wouldn’t encourage someone to get in the path.
May 23, 2017
This was a very good book. Ken Costa challenged all of us to step out of our comfort zones and do the work that God wants us to do. There were many wonderful illustrations. A good book to motivate you and see where God wants you to go next.
August 7, 2019
Loved the message of this book!
This book is so inspiring that I had to write down several quotes to come back to many times in the future. Increases my faith to go forward with confidence toward the life God is calling me to. No more comparititis!
This book is so inspiring that I had to write down several quotes to come back to many times in the future. Increases my faith to go forward with confidence toward the life God is calling me to. No more comparititis!
December 31, 2019
I can think of maybe two or three books in my life that I've read twice, and one that I keep around for eventually revisiting. I just finished this book, and I plan to start it again, fresh, tomorrow.
November 24, 2021
I have used this book in a group bible study. It has helped me to shift my focus on my own life to focusing on God’s work. It has helped to build up my faith and I have found the accompanying study guide to be a great tool for discussing our faith no matter where our relationship with God is at.
December 3, 2017
Holy-Spirit inspired!
May 14, 2019
Good Reminders
Not really anything new in this book. Solid reminders with Biblical underpinning makes it well worth the investment of time.
Not really anything new in this book. Solid reminders with Biblical underpinning makes it well worth the investment of time.
August 18, 2020
Excellent material! This is a book that will stay handy and I will reference time and again! Ken Costa does an excellent job of guiding his readers toward success with this book.
January 7, 2022
A amazing read of instruction and direction for the spiritual journey and commitments of the Christian Believer. What a book to embrace.
April 27, 2024
So much wisdom in this book.
May 26, 2025
A bit too corporate-focused for me to be the target audience, but I appreciate Costa's obvious fervor for Christ.
March 3, 2017
The author has more than 40 years of experience in the workplace. He writes that we will spend up to about 40% of our lives at work. He wants to help us to find work or callings that have purpose and meaning. He writes that God has called and loved us. Our challenge is to fulfill our Christian callings in the here and now.
Before we can consider our callings, we have to consider our identity and ask “Who am I?” He writes that identity comes before destiny, and that destiny is never a substitute for identity. Who we are in Christ comes before why.
The author writes that work is service for the common good. We are called to the workplace to transform it. We should look at our work as a calling. The challenge is to see our callings in the context of the wider world.
The author challenges us with the question “What will I do with what I have?” In other words, how will we use our gifts and talents? We also need to encourage others in their callings.
In considering your calling, the author writes about waiting on the Lord’s timing, which can be difficult. We need to choose well and take wise counsel.
He discusses the fear of failure, which is something I’ve long struggled with. He also states that if we are not taking risks, we are not living a life of faith.
He also talks about restrictions and distractions in regards to our callings. We need to show perseverance. He writes that when we are secure in our identities through the Holy Spirit, we can take risks in our callings. We encourages us to use the abilities that God has given us the best we can as we join the Lord in transforming the world through our callings for the Kingdom of God.
Throughout the book the author uses a lot of helpful illustrations from scripture and workplace to reinforce the points he makes.
Before we can consider our callings, we have to consider our identity and ask “Who am I?” He writes that identity comes before destiny, and that destiny is never a substitute for identity. Who we are in Christ comes before why.
The author writes that work is service for the common good. We are called to the workplace to transform it. We should look at our work as a calling. The challenge is to see our callings in the context of the wider world.
The author challenges us with the question “What will I do with what I have?” In other words, how will we use our gifts and talents? We also need to encourage others in their callings.
In considering your calling, the author writes about waiting on the Lord’s timing, which can be difficult. We need to choose well and take wise counsel.
He discusses the fear of failure, which is something I’ve long struggled with. He also states that if we are not taking risks, we are not living a life of faith.
He also talks about restrictions and distractions in regards to our callings. We need to show perseverance. He writes that when we are secure in our identities through the Holy Spirit, we can take risks in our callings. We encourages us to use the abilities that God has given us the best we can as we join the Lord in transforming the world through our callings for the Kingdom of God.
Throughout the book the author uses a lot of helpful illustrations from scripture and workplace to reinforce the points he makes.
January 30, 2020
One of the best, most concise Christian books that I've read about life purpose and calling. Are you working for cash or a cause? Do you have an ultimate vision that not only changes your life but the lives of others around you? The assessment of the value of the work we do is something that is not often considered. We tend to focus on output; just grinding away and doing what we surmise has to be done to get a pay check. Work should never be simply a means to an end: a way to be paid. Our work should have meaning and value beyond ourselves and yet be an expression of our purpose and who we are.
April 2, 2017
Great Insights
This is an excellent book to help people clarify their life purpose. It is short on tools, but great on thought processes. Take time to think it through.
This is an excellent book to help people clarify their life purpose. It is short on tools, but great on thought processes. Take time to think it through.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews