Why?

Cleaning out my garage has reminded me of a time in my life when I really wanted a bigger house. Every time I prayed about it, I could hear the Spirit asking me, “Why?”

Like an insistent toddler, every answer I gave was followed by, “Why?”

I wanted a bigger house because there wasn’t enough room in this one. Why? We had so much stuff. Why? Because we needed all these things. Why? But everyone I know has a bigger house! Why does that matter?

Why? The question kept probing until I had to come to terms with some deeply held and formerly unchallenged attitudes. It forced me to face some very uncomfortable truths about myself. Who was I trying to impress – God or my friends?

Before long, God seemed to pose this question before every endeavor I undertook. Why? I want to join this club. Why? I want to go to this party. Why? I want to volunteer here. Why?

I want my kids to do (fill in the blank!). Why?  

Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. Matthew 6:1-2

Does this mean I shouldn’t have my name in the event program as a donor? Does this mean I shouldn’t decide to donate more just to be at the “gold level”? Why am I giving to this or that charity? Am I really committed to their work, or do I want to be a part of that crowd of people?

Why. It is the important question. Not why does God act the way He does, but why do I act the way I do? Self-examination can be scary. It forces me to identify what and who I really deem important.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews  4:12

Years ago I was in a bible study on idols and false gods. We talked about what idols look like in today’s world. Although I don’t worship the statue of Athena, I may worship knowledge. Many of us value what we have accomplished in this world, what we have made with our own hands. Have you seen Julie’s new home? It is spectacular! And the new stadium for our football team? Wow!! Very impressive.

Their land is filled with silver and gold, and there is no end to their treasures; their land is filled with horses, and there is no end to their chariots. Their land is filled with idols; they bow down to the work of their own hands, to what their own fingers have made. Isaiah 2:7-8

There is nothing wrong with beautiful homes and state-of-the-art stadiums. There is nothing wrong, and many things that are right, with donating to worthy causes. There is nothing wrong, and many things that are right, about treasuring your family and friends.

The question becomes, do you value these things more than God? Are you honoring God with these things, or honoring yourself? The question becomes, why are you doing what you are doing? Why am I doing what I do?

That is something only you and God can determine. Only you can answer those whys for yourself, as only I can answer them for myself. God and His Spirit will help you. He loves you so intensely. He desires your love in return.

No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. Matthew 6:24

So ask yourself, why?

Betsy