The Why for the What Greg Weston As we teach ‘what’ should be done, we must always remember to teach ‘why’ we should do it. In the ‘why’ I refer to the underlying facts. When we say a person should live according to the New Testament, why should they? “Because God said to” is sufficient for all who believe in him. We can answer the ‘why’ in several ways. One is foundational - God exists. There are many ways to prove his existence. But, his existence is enough of the ‘why’ for all. This amounts to a parent telling a child, “Because I said so” but with a much greater comparison. A parent is not God and can make a mistake. God never has, does not, and never shall be mistaken. To say “Because God said” is always sufficient. But he has given us more. [Rom. 1:20, 21; Acts 17:23-31] Jesus is the Son of God. He was God in the flesh and even though sinless he died so we can be forgiven and have the hope of eternity with God. This is the ‘why’ for all things. It demonstrates the love of God as well as the justice of God. These facts add to the basic reason - God exists. This ‘why’ is founded upon the fact that mankind does not and cannot of himself provide for salvation and eternal life. We sin and cannot claim perfection. For every instruction in living from the New Testament we can say, “because Jesus died for us and provides salvation”. [Rom. 1:4; John 1:1-3, 14; Matt. 26:28; Rom. 5:8, 9; Heb. 5:9] Judgment is coming. Every person shall appear before Jesus to be judged for the things done in this life, whether good or bad. And, the definition of good and bad is from God. Remember, we are not perfect and must submit to him who is perfect. The ‘why’ for the ‘what’ therefore includes the fact that our eternal state depends on us doing the ‘what’ God has instructed through Jesus his Son. [2 Tim. 4:1; 2 Cor. 10:11] In this brief article there are many details given which could be, and should be, expanded upon. However, even this brief article is sufficient to cause each of us to remember that the ‘why’ is given and the ‘what’ is defined. Therefore, let us walk in faith toward God through our obedience to him. Knowing even the basic ‘why’ motivates us to fulfill every specific ‘what’. The reward is glorifying God, giving honor to Jesus, and receiving the gifts of God which include an eternal home with him.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Jul 2013 09:02:45 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015