Why Do I Do?

Have you ever asked yourself, “What was I thinking?” Or, “Why did I do that?” Usually, these self-reflecting questions arise after you’ve done something you regret or feel was a bad choice. We’ve all been there.
Think of a time when you took a scary risk or adventure. It may have ended positively or negatively. As you look back on it, ask yourself why did I do that? Was it to protect yourself? To gain something positive in return? Because you felt compelled do something that was right, even though it might be risky for you?
The Bible is full of examples of each of these motives! The Bible records real life! Let’s look at some examples.
One example from the New Testament is a religious leader named Nicodemus who came to Jesus at night because he wanted to learn more about what Jesus was preaching. It lined up somewhat with what he had already learned, but there was something different about Jesus. The reason Nicodemus came at night was probably because he was afraid to be seen with Jesus. He was afraid he might be criticized or even punished for conversing with him (have you ever felt that way?). Jesus was glad to see him, explained more fully what he was preaching, and challenged him to apply it to his life. This account includes probably the most well-known and quoted Bible verse in the world, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:1-16).” Nicodemus risked a late-night meeting, and he heard the truth about Jesus. It was worth the risk.

Let’s look at another interesting New Testament Bible character:  Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus had an occupation that put him at odds with most other people. He collected taxes for the Roman government, and he became wealthy doing so.
Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming down the path and he wanted to get a better look at him. Because Zacchaeus was short he could not see over the crowd. He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to get a better view. “When Jesus reached that spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed Jesus gladly.”
Even though the people observing this event were critical of both Zacchaeus and Jesus, Zacchaeus was so moved by this encounter that he was determined to make restitution to anyone he had mistreated over tax collection. Jesus was happy and declared, “Today salvation has come to this house…the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:1-9).” Another example of where taking a risk paid off!
We take a slight turn for our final example: Paul. Paul started off as an adversary to Jesus’ saving message. But Jesus had plans for him and turned him into a believer and follower. Paul teaches us many things about following Jesus. Here is one that is most curious. He admits to us that, even though he whole-heartedly wants to follow Jesus’ teachings, he sometimes makes poor choices that contradict the teachings. He says, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing (Romans 7:18,19).” Paul is torn because he wants to follow Jesus, but sometimes finds himself acting just the opposite. Been there?

We need to remember that we will still struggle with sin, even though we believe in Jesus. We ask for God’s forgiveness, strength, and intervention in our lives, and do not lose hope because we also know that God forgives our sins and extends grace to us! We will still have times where we have to ask ourselves, “Why did I do that?” but we can also remind ourselves of what God has already done for us through Christ! That’s not a risk, that’s a certainty!

4832 Ponderings:

• What challenges came to mind in your life as you read this?
• Where, in your life, might you be considering taking a risk? Have you prayerfully thought through pros and cons in light of who Jesus is in your life?
• Are you trusting the truth that through grace, God forgives your sins?

“He has taken our sins away from us as far as the east is from west.” Psalm 103:12