Why Should I?

     Why should I? It is one of the most obvious questions, but we seldom think about it. It is like breathing; taken for granted, but of utmost importance. Just as we can do nothing apart from breathing, we can do nothing without first having a motive for doing it. To demonstrate this point, think about this: someone living a sedentary lifestyle will not randomly start a fitness program without first having a motive to do so. The driving factor may be to lose weight, to improve strength, to improve performance, or even to improve mental clarity through reducing stress. Nonetheless, there must be some existing motive in order for action to be sparked.

“THOUGH WE MAY NOT ALWAYS UNDERSTAND OUR OWN MIXED MOTIVES, ASKING THIS QUESITON CAN AT LEAST OFFER US A SPARK OF CLARITY.”

     Now, having a motive and having a good motive are two different things. For instance, if someone eats the last cookie because they are actually hungry, it is different than if they eat the last cookie just so that another person cannot. The first motive is understandable, but the second is fueled by malice. Accordingly, not only do we need motives, but we need good motives. 

     Apart from breathing, we cannot live. Apart from motives, we cannot move. Apart from Christ, we cannot do anything (John 15:5). So, why should I . . . ? Well, if there is something that we ought to do, it is because goodness is grounded in God’s very nature (Mark 10:18). This verse, of course, reveals to the one asking who Jesus truly is. Since God is omnibenevolent (all good), everything that He wants us to do or refrain from doing will work out for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). Remember, I write to you not authoritatively as a Pastor, but as a fellow brother trying to fight the good fight as you all are (1 Timothy 6:12). Part of our daily fight involves examining our motives and truly considering the question: why should I? Though we may not always understand our own mixed motives, asking this question can at least offer us a spark of clarity.