What does it really matter if we “do” or “don’t” if we have forgotten our why?
“But the ruler of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the people, ‘There are six days in which work ought to be done. Come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day.’” Luke 13:14
If there’s one thing that this ruler knew it was what to do, or better yet, what not to do. Too often in our life, we tend to be the same. We know that we should read the Bible, we should pray, we should be kind to others. We are even better at knowing what we shouldn’t do – say that word, drink that drink, use that finger while driving. But in the end, what does it really matter if we “do” or “don’t” if we have forgotten our why? This ruler had spent his entire life devoted to the Law. He had spent countless hours studying the Scriptures, sitting at the feet of men much wiser than he and yet through it all, did he really learn why all of this information was important? I think this verse tells us he didn’t. The Sabbath was not about doing or not doing. The Sabbath is about remembering the One who created it.
“You must observe my Sabbaths… so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy” Exodus 31:13
So today, this weekend, this Advent season, don’t think about what you should or shouldn’t do. Remember the reason behind it.
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
