Day 57 Through The Bible

Day 57: Understanding the “Why” Behind What We Do

In our daily lives as Christians, reflecting on the reason behind our actions and beliefs is essential. Why do we do what we do, both in our relationship with Christ and in our public worship at church? This reflection is about the actions themselves and the heart behind them. To help us align our lives more closely with God's will, let's dive into a Biblical principle that can guide our daily choices: "Line upon line, precept upon precept." This reminder helps us build a solid foundation for understanding why we act in ways that honor God.

Faith and Works: The Biblical Connection

James 2:20 tells us, "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" These words show us the inseparable link between what we believe (faith) and what we do (works). Our Christian life should not be defined solely by what we do or think but by the relationship between the two. We need to understand both the principles of our faith and the practical outworking of those principles in our daily lives.

This post will examine the relationship between biblical principles and practical actions. When we refer to principles, we are talking about the absolute truths in God’s Word. When we discuss practical actions, we address how we live out those principles.

The Importance of Knowing Why

Over the years of ministry, I have discovered that many people don’t honestly know why they do what they do. Similarly, they often don’t understand why they believe what they believe. The lack of understanding about the "why" behind our actions can lead to complacency or even misalignment with God’s Word.

Today’s exercise aims to provoke thought and encourage a deeper connection between what we believe and how we live.

Practical Actions That Reflect Biblical Principles

Now, let’s get practical. Below are some everyday tasks you likely do each day. As you read through them, I encourage you to ask yourself: Is there a Biblical reason behind this? Is there a principle that supports or contradicts this action?

1. Get out of bed each morning.

   • Biblical Principle: The Bible encourages us to rise early to seek God’s wisdom (Psalm 5:3). Getting out of bed on time to start the day with purpose reflects the value of honoring God's time.

2. Eat breakfast

   • Biblical Principle: Our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Eating nourishing food is a way of stewarding the body God has entrusted to us.

3. Get dressed for work.

   • Biblical Principle: Dressing with modesty and respect honors God (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Our outward appearance should reflect God's inward transformation in our lives.

4. Go to work

   • Biblical Principle: Work is a form of worship (Colossians 3:23). Whatever your job is, doing it with integrity and excellence is a way to serve God and fulfill the calling He has placed on your life.

5. Do the job that is given to me by those in authority over me

   • Biblical Principle: Obeying those in authority is a way of obeying God (Romans 13:1-2). Whether it’s a boss, teacher, or parent, doing the work they assign is an act of submission to God’s order.

These are just a few of the many tasks we perform daily. But are there Biblical reasons for these actions? Do we do them out of obedience to God's Word, or do we go through the motions without considering why?

Reflect and Examine Your Daily Life

I challenge you to take some time and write down ten things you do every day. For each one, ask yourself these questions:

• Is there a Biblical reason for doing this?

• Am I honoring God in this action?

• Is there a Biblical principle that I may be violating by doing this?

For example, if your job is stressful and you often cut corners or work with a bad attitude, ask yourself: Is this an action that honors God, or am I violating the Biblical principle of honesty and diligence in my work?

Taking time for these reflections will help you better understand the connection between your faith and works. It will guide you in aligning your actions with Biblical principles, ensuring that you live out your faith in words and deeds that glorify God.

Conclusion

As we go about our daily lives, remember that our actions should reflect the truths we believe. Faith without works is dead, and works without faith have no eternal value. Let today’s reflection help you build a life that is not only rooted in Biblical principles but is also lived out through practical actions that honor God in all you do.

Are you willing to ask yourself the hard questions today? Why do you do what you do? Let this be a moment of growth and realignment, where every action you take is rooted in a deeper understanding of God's Word and a desire to live in a way that pleases Him.