Why Do We Do What We Do?

As I sit here contemplating what God wants me to do today, I am compelled to write to you. I listen to God all the time now. I never used to be able to say that. It has been a process. A process that has taken me many decades, but I'm here now and that's what counts. I read another blog today which really has me thinking. I encourage you to click over to http://momwriterslitmag.typepad.com/ to look at Dionna Sanchez's blog entitled, "All I Have to Be," from January 23, 2008.

You see, I too, am a people pleaser. I want most people to like me. Only recently have I realized that admiration by others is not one of Jesus' top tens. You won't hear that proclaimed in weeks to come in churches. You will hear the Beatitudes and "being liked" is not one of the Beatitudes. Neither is admiration which is really what we are seeking when we strive to be liked.

One of the things that struck me the most about Dionna's words was the fact that Jesus wasn't liked by everybody back in His time and likewise is not liked in the present day by many people. Jesus! I mean, c'mon, this is Jesus for crying out loud! That thought is a very freeing concept for me. That says to me, "Just do it. You have a good head on your shoulders. You've long known the difference between right and wrong. Don't care what other people think. Do it because you feel it's what God wants you to do."

"Doing" for others is the major concept in the Beatitudes but I think it bears merit to ask yourself why you are doing what you are doing? Is it for the greater glory of God or is it for your greater glory - to be liked and admired? Your motive is key here.

With the season of Lent nearly upon us (I thought we just celebrated Christmas!) I know I am going to be doing lots and lots of thinking about why I do what I do. Is it for God's glory or for mine? Hopefully I can answer that question honestly and act accordingly.

~Maureen :)