What We Do is as Important as Why We Do

What We Do is as Important as Why We Do 

by David Brenneman 

It might seem like that's a little bit backwards.  That why we do something is more important than what we do.

What we do is a result of where our hearts and minds are.  We either do something with a purpose or we "absent-mindedly" do things.  But we must do with purpose. 

In looking back over what's written in the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord Jesus didn't just say what was to be done or not done, but He explained why. 

The "what's" covered practically everything in everyone's everyday life.  The "why's" came after the "what's". 

In the day set before you and I, is a plan of God for us.  It's not open-ended. It's not a free-for-all.  It's not coincidences happening. It's not time-through-chance. It's not things lining up. It's not a series of guesses.  There is a purpose for our lives when we come to Christ for salvation that begins to happen to us and for us.  

The Spirit begins His work in us.  The Scriptures say that we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works that we might walk in them. Ephesians 2:10.

We have training that starts. Learning how to put off the old and putting on Christ.

We have armor to learn how to wear. 

We have mental exercises to teach us how to think about God and about life.  

As Pastor Alistair Begg said in a sermon...the Great Commission wasn't pointing to Church officials. It wasn't strictly for Apostles, Elders, Pastor's, Deacons, or Deaconesses.  We come to Christ, we have a new purpose in life that is of God, from God and done unto God.

We don't just receive a "get out of Hell free" card to go and do whatever fancies our hearts and minds.

We ought to be daily in God's word. Learning about the Savior. Learning what it means to survive in a physical world that is Spiritually against the will of our God and Father, against the Lord Jesus Christ.

We will not escape conflict with the enemy of God.  Put that thought out of your mind.   You WILL face conflict with Satan's minions.   It's highly unlikely you will face Satan himself.  Satan is not omniscient. He is not omnipresent. While he does prowl around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, that very passage shows he can only be in one place at one time.

What are you doing to grow in Christ? 

What are you doing to work on your obedience to Jesus?

What are you doing?

Are you wasting your moments in your days with things that matter to God?  Yes, I agree, there are necessary things in life that do not.  But our attitude in doing these is a reflection of our hearts before Jesus.  

Does your life at all point people to Jesus? Either in word or in deed, our mission is to point people to Jesus.  Show them to the Way, in order that they too might find salvation in Christ.  Paul wrote of the necessity to make the most of our time because the days are evil.  My Dear Reader take a 5 second look at the daily headlines and we see evil getting progressively worse.   Sticking our heads in the sand will not make it go away.  Lifting these things, and more importantly, these people up in prayer is essential to fighting this battle.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm." Ephesians 6:12-13.

Our responses to the attacks of the enemy are seen by those around us every day.  They see how we handle life, whether it's seeing the spiritual side or not, people see.

You cannot wield the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, if it's not in your hands. 

You cannot protect your mind without the helmet of salvation. 

You cannot protect your heart without the breastplate of righteousness.  

I recently read in Isaiah yesterday where the Lord mentioned putting those last two on Himself.  First time I had noticed that.

Are you living a life with God's purpose for you in mind?  Jesus isn't going to tell you well done because of all the other things you have done in your life outside of what He needed you to be doing. 

How often are you really intimate in your talks with Jesus?  How deeply personal do you really get?  How much of your heart really is open to the Spirit's leading?  If you're indeed saved, do you listen for His voice?  Jesus said His sheep hear His voice.  

Think about what you are doing. 

Now think about why you are doing it.

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. Lockman Foundation.