[05/02/2023 “teEn-MAIL”]
[This focus was originally sent 03/08/1999 (edited some with passage changed to ESV 03/13/2009)]
“Why did I do that?” Have you ever asked yourself that question? It is a question I ask frequently when I’ve been in a hurry to finish something on the computer, clicked on the wrong thing, and lost what I was working on. I ask this question when I have done something that didn’t work out and realized if I had just thought about it, I would have known. And I also ask this question when I have tried to fix something with the wrong tool (because I didn’t want to go to the garage to get the correct one) and then either messed up what I was attempting to fix or spliced my finger or knuckle instead. Now that you know more than you probably wanted to, you can see I am personally far too familiar with this question!
I regularly backup my computer files or print out hard copies of projects just in case I lose them so that if work is lost it is not lost completely. A band-aid also takes care of my finger or knuckle. However, there are areas in life where the blunders are of more consequence than just frustration or a little pain.
Many people in this world — as they attempt to pursue whatever they desire — reach a point when they realize there was no benefit to them. In fact, many choices people make take them further from the happiness they sought. Then, in shame, they look back at the choices they made and ask, “Why did I do that?”
Paul admonished. . .
“(20) For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. (21) But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. (22) But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. (23) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:20-23 ESV)
Why did I choose to accept Jesus as the Lord of my life? Why have I died to self to allow Him to have mastery over my life? Why did I put Him on in baptism (Galatians 3:27)? Because in Him is found the benefit for now and eternity! In Him we gain a result that leaves no regret! (i.e. 2 Corinthians 7:10) In that relationship we are taken from shame to glory! May we continue understanding the wise “why” of an abiding relationship with Christ Jesus!
Have a great day KNOWING WHY LIFE WITH JESUS IS IT!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
