What Do I Do?

The movie was about a politician who was an underdog in an upcoming election. It focused on all the facets of running for office, and as you might guess, he won. Various camera angles captured the great celebration in a ballroom full of supporters. The movie ended with our politician-hero, with fear in his eyes, desperately pulling his campaign manager aside, “What do I do now?”

Sometimes people are fully engaged in an idea, but not quite sure what to do. It’s one thing to support, agree, pledge, and even immerse oneself in an idea. But the time comes to ‘do.’

John the Baptist was sent by God to preach. He wasn’t a city preacher but lived and preached in the wilderness areas of Judea. People came to John to hear him preach. Many embraced his teaching, some became disciples. Excitement was running high because of John’s message:

“Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand.”

Some who came to John were insincere. So, he confronted them saying, “Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance….” (Luke 3:8) Those who were sincere asked, “What shall we do?” John instructed them to share their abundance with those in need.

The kingdom of God was not an idea but real. It was not some kind of idealistic philosophy; it was a kingdom with a real king and real citizens. The people understood that in God’s kingdom there was a certain way of life; it was God’s kingdom. So, theirs was a natural question: “What do we do?” They wanted to know how to prepare for the coming of God’s kingdom. There were expectations; there was expected behavior.

Even with John’s general instruction, some wanted to know more specifically about their circumstances. Two candidates for the kingdom of God asked John what they needed to do. To the tax collectors, he instructed that they sould collect only what they were supposed to collect. To the soldiers, he instructed that they should not take money by force, should not make false accusations, and should be content with their wages.

Jesus came after John the Baptist with the same message: “Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand.” He also taught people what they should do.

Here are some general instructions that apply to Jesus’ followers:

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

You shall love your neighbor as your self.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.

And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.

Can you apply these instructions to your circumstances? Look at each of these teachings and apply sincere thought to your life. Ask, “How does the Golden Rule apply to me in my home, at my workplace, and elsewhere?”

Did you know that there is specific instruction for husbands, for wives, for children, for church leaders, for preachers, and others.

God has not thrown together a rulebook. Rather, He has communicated His identity and character to mankind. He has communicated what he expects of the citizens of His kingdom. 

What is your attitude? 

God has not left us wondering what to do. 

So, listen!

Mark Stinnett

October 19, 2025