Thought for Today
1 Samuel 2:23 He said to them, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people.
1 Kings 14:6 But when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, he said, "Come in, wife of Jeroboam; why do you pretend to be another? For I am charged with heavy tidings for you.
Luke 6:46 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you?
John 8:43 Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot accept my word.
These words I share 6 days each week are the thoughts on my mind as I sit down at my computer each morning. The words I share in worship on Sundays in my sermon are my thoughts on the scripture passages we read (usually from the Revised Common Lectionary). For those sermons, I do have a wealth of resources: commentaries, study Bibles, books and websites. But these Thoughts are merely my reflections on whatever topic is on my mind each morning. I do not have any book of things about which to blog, no agenda, no organized plan beyond sharing what is on my mind.
This morning, I began to think about one of the shortest and yet most complex questions ever asked, “Why?” As I did, I began to think more specifically about “Why do I do what I do?”
Self-reflection is a bit self-absorbing, but it is also beneficial. Examining our individual lives, reflecting on our thoughts, words and actions . . . honestly and as objectively as possible, can offer us insight into who we are and help us chart a path toward self-improvement. Regrettably, there doesn’t seem to be much evidence in the world around us that most people engage in honest and objective self-reflection. Or, if they do, there is not much evidence that they complete the task of implementing self-change and self-improvement.
I’m sure that some of this is on my mind today because, if you haven’t noticed, we are in the midst of a political election campaign. I hear and read of candidates for positions at all levels making the same inflated, impossible and even questionable promises I have heard for as long as I can remember. Each candidate promises that if elected, they will single-handedly change everything wrong in our system and our lives. Irrespective of the powers and duties of the office to which they aspire.
But, it’s not just politicians. Many of us make those same sorts of promises to ourselves. Sometimes, we even make them to God. “Dear God, if you will just let me pass this test, I promise I will study for the next one.” Were I capable of making fundamental changes in who I am unaided by external forces, I would not be in the position of needing God’s miraculous intervention to help me pass that test. God’s help is always there; God’s strength is always there for me to lean on. God’s assistance and support for me in changing who and what I am is always available. I just need to access God’s help. “Why do I do what I do?” “Why don’t I do what I know I should do?”
Jesus asked (and asks), “Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I tell you? Why do you not understand what I say?” Is it because we (I) cannot and do not accept Jesus’ word? Jesus told that young man, "Luke 10:27 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." Jesus told his disciples, “Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Should we (I) not filter everything we (I) think, say and do against those instructions?
I am a Christian. More importantly than knowing who or what I am, I know whose I am. Everything I think, say and do should be guided by those simple instructions from Jesus. My life should demonstrate those words from the Epistle of James, “I by my works will show you my faith.”
Irrespective of election campaign promises, irrespective of my personal promises to do better next time, I must strive to make every thought, word and action contribute to the Kingdom of God. If I do, I will not need to worry about “Why do I do what I do?”
Stay safe, let your life be a witness to your faith, trust God,
Pastor Ray