The Why Behind the What
May 25, 2020
“Do not spread slanderous gossip among your people. “Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord. “Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin. “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:16-19 NLT
“You can find the energy and strength to do almost anything if you know the why behind the what.” That well-known statement is used to teach leaders in nearly every field. A physical trainer explains to his client the why of an exercise routine he is prescribing. The high school guidance counselor acts on that principle when she explains why taking a certain course is wise for the high school junior.
Knowing the “why” is a huge motivational factor, especially when something is difficult or a major change. Sometimes God gives a detailed “why” for His instructions. Other times the “why” is simply who He is. Most of the time when He is telling us how to live in relationship with others, the “why” is simply that He is God; He is the Lord. The instructions reflect His character and deepest desires.
Leviticus contains many of the guidelines God gave the Israelites, and most all of the commands are given with that simple explanation. Today’s Scripture is pulled from the middle of many “how to treat others” statements. Don’t spread gossip. Protect your neighbor. Don’t nurse a secret hatred toward anyone in your family. Have direct communication with your neighbors. Don’t hold a grudge. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Two of six sentences in the paragraph give the why: “I am the Lord.”
God wants us to honor and value others in our relationships because of who HE is, not because of who THEY are. He is the Father of us all. He loves us all equally. He wants everyone to come into a relationship with Him. Our relationship with Him can never be separate from our relationship with others. Those of us who are already in a relationship with God are His in-the-flesh representatives to those still outside the family. Our love and honor for God must translate into love and honor for those He loves.
- Whom do you find hard to love and think kindly toward?
- What needs to change in the way you think about that person; treat that person?
- How can remembering that this is God’s loved child as well, and God said to value and honor them help you change the relationship?
- Pray: God, I have trouble with _____________________. It is very difficult for me to treat him/her the way You have said I must. But You are God. You are my Father. I want to live in a way that makes You smile and helps others find You. Help me change my perspective. Help me obey You as an act of my will before I feel it in my heart. Amen.”