The WHY Question

"One Year Bible" New Testament Passage
Romans 7:1-13

6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. Romans 7:6 (NKJV)

Motivation is a very important matter in our relationship with God. It addresses the "WHY Question." Now, don't get me wrong here. I believe it is always important that we do the right things. Whether we like it or not, whether we understand it or not, it is always good to obey, to do rightly. But God carries us further. He asks us why we follow Him, why we obey, why we continue to keep our lives in direction toward Him, why we serve.

It is in this respect that "we have been delivered from the law." If we keep the law in an endeavor to win God's favor, we will live a life of frustration and fear. If we live a life seeking to somehow do enough to be found worthy, we will fail.

So, why do you serve God? Why do you give tithes? Why are you faithful in church attendance? Why do you refrain from sinful actions? So many people live in fear that God will rain down wrath on them should they in any way mis-step. Some denominations even teach that you must go to church on Sunday or you will go to Hell. I know folks who give tithes because they think if they don't God will take ALL their money. This attitude produces a begrudging, resentful compliance. God, however, wants us to "serve in the newness of the Spirit." We don't obey to WIN God's favor. Instead, we serve because we HAVE God's favor. This is abundance of life.