Why Do You Do What You Do?

Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But we do all things, beloved, for your edification. 2 Corinthians 12:19

Actions are done, and words are said by everyone for a reason. Every action has purpose behind it, a reason as to why it was done and the way it was done. Usually, any action done by a person is done in order to help self out, to look good, and to build oneself up in some form or another. The first focus is all about self.

As Paul is telling about some of the things he could boast about to the Corinthian church, he then asks them if he has to give an excuse for themselves. Paul says that everything he and the other apostles do is done to edify or build them up.

Building up self is the number one priority of the world. This focus even occurs when good things are done to help build others up. Helping others out gives a person a sense of pride and accomplishment. It makes them look good in the eyes of others because of the good that they were able to do.

Believers are to have a very different attitude in the process of helping others out. Their focus should be just like that of Jesus. He left heaven, came to earth, and was crucified upon the cross all for the sake of helping people, who hated Him, out. It was to build people up and give them an abundant life that will extend into eternity.

Each day believers have an opportunity to edify and build others up. They can encourage others to continue their walk with the Lord. They can show others the path God has laid out for them. Their actions are to edify others, not edify self, like the world.

Every day you will say and do many things with some purpose in mind. It is easy for you to focus on self and build yourself up. Take on the mind and actions of Jesus and choose to edify others. Seek God to show you ways in which you can build others up. Take your eyes off of yourself and put it on God and others. Allow God to use you to edify others in Christ Jesus.

Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that God will show you ways to build others up; that God will reveal selfish ways in your life; that you will built up in Christ Jesus; and that God will use you to build up His kingdom.

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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Insights from Tom

About the Author

Tom Arn is happily married for 30 years to his wonderful wife Cammie. They are blessed by God with eight wonderful children and one grandchild. Tom has worked as a children’s pastor, senior pastor, and many times (and currently) as a Sunday School Teacher. He has a General Ministries degree with a Bible College. He started doing a short devotional type Bible study on Facebook in 2014, going through the books of the Bible chapter by chapter, section by section. Tom writes what he feels God is placing on his heart.

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