[381 words]
We are all familiar with the Five W’s of writing/reporting/journalism: Who? What? When? Where? and Why? Answering these helps people to understand all the details about certain situations. I have seen some of these used in the form of a personal question to help motivate people to action. Let’s use all of them in this fashion to motivate each us to be more active for the Lord.
“If not me, then who?” Too many times we think that someone else will do it, when we are perfectly capable. It may not get done if we do not do it. We should have the attitude of Isaiah and always proclaim to God, “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
“If not this, then what?” What is it that we could be doing to better the kingdom of God? Don’t wait to be asked. Look for opportunities of service. Surely there is something each of us can be doing. “…from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
“If not now, then when?” Let’s not put off for another day what we can do this very moment. If the opportunity arises, then let us act without delay. This occasion may never happen again. Let’s go! “Behold, now is the accepted time…” (2 Corinthians 6:2).
“If not here, then where?” Just as important as what we do is where we do it. We need to give thought to make sure that we do the right thing, the right way, and in the right place. This will help us to be effective with our time and talents. In Mark 8:27 we can read that Jesus “went out” to certain towns. We can follow His example go out to certain places and do service for the Lord.
“If not for the glory of God, then why?” It is good to ask ourselves why we do certain things. We should always think of honoring and glorifying God in everything we do. “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17).
Edd Sterchi
Broadway church of Christ
Campbellsville, KY