Why?

During my break last weekend, one of the things that became even more clear in my mind is the reason I do what I do. It is not that I didn’t already know it, or even that I had forgotten it. It is just that every once in a while each of us needs to rethink why we do what we do. I am a pastor and I need to constantly remember why I want people to become Christians and live for Jesus! That is a really big deal! I mean, if all I am doing is just trying to get people to believe like me for the heck of it, then what I am doing is pointless, right? But if there is something more foundational than just getting people on “team Jesus” then maybe what I say will be worth listening to.

So I guess it starts with a question like this, “Why do I want people to believe in Jesus?” I don’t want to give the cliché answer such as, “So they won’t go to hell.” Though it is true that I do not want people to go to hell, that’s not main point of it all, is it? Sure hell is a big issue regarding Christianity and eternity, but it’s not the primary driving force behind why people should come to Christ, is it? Besides, if to elude suffering is the only motivating factor behind such a big decision then we will only end up with passive acceptance and not radical obedience to God’s commands. And if eluding suffering is not the primary reason people should come to Christ, then what is?

I will make one assertion here. This is not the only reason, but probably the best and primary reason people should come to Christ. Here it is: People should come to faith in Christ because God is AWESOME! And I don’t mean awesome in the slang sense, but in the weighty, and heavy sense! God is the creator, sustainer, and ruler of all things! He is AWESOME! Life with Him is the greatest life that exists! There is nothing in this universe that can care for you better, love you more, or have your well-being at heart better than God! He is the greatest treasure that we can experience! All other possessions, prizes, experiences, and relationships are nothing in comparison to knowing HIM! The Apostle Paul puts it this way in the letter to the Philippians. Remember, he wrote this letter while he was in prison!

Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

What do we have if we do not have Him? And what are we lacking if we have Him? He owns everything! I rules everything! God is… One important way the greatness of God is shown in the life of believers when they suffer loss and continue to cherish Christ through the suffering! When Paul was sitting in prison, being mistreated, he treasured Christ above his freedom! When he was beaten and left for dead he cherished Christ above his comfort! When Jesus was suffering on the cross, it was for the joy set before him that he endured the cross (Hebrews 12:2). What can be more valuable than knowing the one who owns all things? Nothing!

The sad truth is that all of us will chose something to cherish in this life above all other things. We will desire something. We will pursue something. Something will dominate each of our lives! Here is a great question I have for all of us, “Why would we spend our lives pursuing something that will perish?” And here is another question, “Why don’t we spend our passions and energies pursuing the one who will never perish, but gives eternal life to his children?”

Lord, please give us the eyes to see how great you are! Please reveal yourself to us that we would know how valuable you really are!