The great Apostle Paul confesses, “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not…Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth (continually abides) in me. For I know that in me (my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will (to do) is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not” (Rom. 7:15-17). Simply put, “Why do you do what you do?” Why? Because when we are saved, God changed our lives (2 Cor. 5:17), but not our bodies. Our vile bodies are not changed until the Lord returns (Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Cor. 15:52-53). As Paul, learn that your body and Spirit are contrary and never compatible – never! “For the flesh (body) lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Gal.5:17). This is why Paul and also all Christians can also say, “Why do I do what I do.” We can all also say, “Been there and done that.”
Let me also answer this question with factual illustrations: Why do geese fly south each year? Because they do what geese do. Why do salmon and sea turtles return to their place of birth to spawn where they were spawned? Why? Because they do what salmon and sea turtles do. It seems all animals have a driving inner instinct that causes them to do what they do.
Paul, “Why do you do what you do?” Answer: Because that is what humans do. Realize that you are a soul with a body, not a body with a soul. Your body dies but your eternal soul still exists (2 Cor. 5:8). Know that God put an emptiness within your longing soul that only God can satisfy (Psa 107:9). As a new creation in Christ old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17). What you once enjoyed you no longer enjoy. When this happens you think, “Where did that come from? Why does this bother me now but it did not “bother” me before?” Why? The inner instincts of the Holy Spirit convert, convict, condemn, comfort, and conform you to the image of His Son (Rom. 8: 29). What bothers Him also bothers you. Good News! The fact that it “bothers” you is proof of your salvation. Also realize that the greatest testimony to this world is a changed consistent Christian.
Your greatest power is your free-will. Your greatest enemy is your free-will. The devil cannot make you sin, and God will not make you serve. The Spirit vs the flesh. Who will win? As you face your fight of faith realize that greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Be a victor not a victim. Paul found the answer. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). This is why you do what you do.
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