Belief for the reason of one’s existence is a choice, at least for a while. As a Christian, I believe there is coming a time when we will all know who we are by learning why we are. However, at that moment, all will be past tense.
In my estimation, it would be wise to learn the latter while time is still being measured by a ticking clock.
When a person realizes the “WHY”, the “WHO” is in a place to agree with God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Only when one knows the “WHY” can the “WHO” become a servant, rather than the served.
People that live in such a way that their “WHO” is constantly shifting based on their accomplishments, possessions, status, or wealth, do not know the “WHY”. God makes it clear in His Word, the “WHY” never changes. The methods used to accomplish it may change during a lifetime, but the mission is always the same.
In Ecclesiastes 12:13, the wisest mortal man ever to live tells us where our focus is to be, and succinctly reveals our “WHY”. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man”.
Now, if you’re not a believer, these words are most likely meaningless. However, to the believer, the following needs to hit home. Why? Because there’s a moment coming when the last second on every clock will tick, ushering us into the spiritual realm, where time does not exist. At that moment, there’s only one friend worth having His name is Jesus. Understand, our friendship with Him is NOT on our terms. He is God, and He sets ALL the terms for all right living. In His word, He leaves nothing to chance, nor any need for interpretation. If you use the “That’s your interpretation” as an excuse to do your own thing, expecting God to bow to you, you’re in for a world of hurt. Actually, I should say, an eternity of hurt.
The LORD and Savior Jesus, THE anointed one, instructs humanity with these words. In John 15:14, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” Wouldn’t you agree it’s important to know what are His commands? I hope you do!
Do you love Jesus? If you’re a Christian, the obvious answer is yes. But, do your actions meet your words? The reason I ask, Jesus repeatedly tells us how He, and we, will know if we love Him. See here from John 14:15, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments”. That’s simple, right? No, not really! Why? Because some things He teaches are hard to hear, and even more difficult to accomplish. You know, like, having no other gods before Him; loving God above all others; loving God and forsaking the world; turning the other cheek; loving your neighbor as yourself; being a servant, even to your enemies; studying scripture to know the truth, and being approved to God; This list could go on for a bit, but you get the message.
Loving God means agreeing with Him and striving to be like Him. We can read in 1 Peter 1:14-16, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” In the context, of the original language, the word “holy” means to be in the likeness of nature with the Lord, because He called us to differ from the world. Holy mandates a separation from the world. God has set apart Christians, for Himself, His will, His purpose. That’s what it means to be sacred. Saints are sacred because He set us apart for the work of our Lord.
That’s a Christian’s “WHY”
