Why do we do the things we do?
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:10
Have you ever read a verse in the Bible and wondered, “Okay, but why?” The Bible has specific commandments that God wants us to follow, but God never asks us to do anything without first telling us the reason why.
In Galatians 6:10 Paul writes that we are to do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. But why you ask? Because in verse 9 he said that if we do not grow weary of doing good we will reap the harvest at the proper time. The Bible is full of reasons why, not blind commandments.
The number one reason why in the Bible is Romans 5:8. It says: … God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He loves us so much that He sent His one and only Son, to die on the cross for our sins. Why?
So that we could be forgiven.
We can never repay Him for that sacrifice, but we can dedicate our lives to Him. Jesus said that if we love Him, we will obey what He commands (John 14:15). And John repeats this thought in his epistle: For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3)
The reason why we do the things written in the Bible shouldn’t be because that’s what is required of us to get into heaven. It shouldn’t be because mom or dad said so. It should be out of love for God. If we do it out of love for Him, then they won’t seem like endless to-do lists, silly requirements, or cruel punishments. They will become things that we do because we want to do them, not burdensome, but opportunities to serve our God and Savior.
Reflection
Why do you do what the Bible says?
Application Step
As you go about your day, think about why you do the things you do. Are you doing them just to check them off of some “Good Christian” to-do list, or are you doing them because you are happy to have the opportunity to serve God?
Prayer
Father God, I know that I do things for the wrong reasons all the time. Help me to remember that You are the reason why. Help me to focus on your grace, forgiveness, and everlasting love; because when I remember those things, serving you isn’t a meaningless list anymore, it’s a great opportunity.
