Why do I do the things I do? Consider the question! Most of my life I'd wonder, why did I do that or say that? Why did they do or say that? Many of our questions allow us to reason with the world around us in a more rational fashion.
Why are some people mean, hateful, hurtful and unreasonable? Why are others kind, loving, caring, and a joy to be around and live with? At the heart of it all, our responses and actions toward others become enlightened and enriched by our understanding.
When speaking of living well, of loving and being loved, we need to "listen and understand." Paul wrote to the Church at Rome: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2: These words speak volumes regarding the attempt to lead us to understanding.
God made us with powerful minds fueled by remarkable brains. We make judgments based on experiences, recalling memorable events, thinking through hypothetical outcomes and imagining what is not apparent. We make sense of things and learn why we do the things we do!
The Bible speaks of blindness - eyes that see but see not. It speaks to our ability to hear yet hear not, it speaks of a looseness of the tongue and thoughtless speech. Yes, Scripture has much to say about thoughtlessness, lack of wisdom and understanding.
"Why" is a common question of the human mind! It stirs our soul to action and change! Only as we change will change occur in this world. Each one of us is an "agent of change." We can change for the good and well-being of all we serve, or live hopelessly without happiness and peace. The fact is we are each responsible, in great part, for our own misery, when we choose to accept the negativity around us. Choose to accept or embrace the destructive forces that seek to harm us, to bring us down and make us less than God intends us to be. However, by our choices we can become far greater, "beyond all belief and understanding."
God made us for great things if we will walk with Him. The Bible is full of ordinary people who God used. Jesus chose ordinary people as His disciples. Throughout the centuries ordinary men and women have carried His Word and will to the world. God chooses and uses the humble who are willing to give themselves to Him.
God sees us as extraordinary persons of great potential who He loves and made for His service. Let's understand and determine to serve Him well! He chose us. He is concerned about us. He loves us and wants us to experience His love everyday. See yourselves as persons of great worth, as His People. We were created for a purpose God says, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Are you the person God wants you to be? Or, are you a fearful work in progress. He has a plan! God said, "Do not fear, I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10
May God bless us on our journey!
- Yeagle-Hungerford is a retired American Baptist pastor.
