Divine Direction: Part 1 - "Power to Become" with Craig Groeschel - Life.Church

Who Before Do, Why Before What

Scripture References

Primary text

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3
• Colossians 3:17

Other references

• Proverbs 16:2
• Psalm 39

Overview

A life directed by God is not built on a few giant choices but on hundreds of daily, faithful decisions. Pastor Craig opened this new series, “Divine Direction,” by laying one foundational conviction: God is far more concerned with who we are becoming than with what we are doing. When our character (the who) and our motives (the why) align with Christ, God will guide every next step of the journey.

Main Points

1. God cares about WHO before DO

• Our first calling is to holiness, not a particular career.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:3 states that God’s will is “to be holy,” set apart (hagios).
• Jesus spoke far more about character and discipleship than about anyone’s job title.
• Illustration: Craig could preach impressive sermons yet be out of God’s will if he mistreated his wife, children, or finances—the who invalidates the do.
• Practical grid: Instead of “What should I do next year?” ask, “Who is God forming me to be today?”

2. God cares about WHY before WHAT

• Proverbs 16:2 warns that the Lord weighs motives; we easily deceive ourselves.
• Two reasons usually lurk behind every action: the public reason we state and the real reason inside.
• Example: A child’s lavish praise of “Daddy” reveals a hidden agenda—securing a kitten.
• Prayer of examination (Psalm 39): “Search me, God… see if any offensive way is in me.”
• It is nearly impossible to end up at the right destination when we start with the wrong motive.

3. Whatever You Do, Do It for Jesus

• Colossians 3:17 covers every arena: “whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
• A stay-at-home parent can glorify God through laundry and diapers; a student glorifies God by studying with integrity; an entry-level worker glorifies God by making the best fries in town.
• Success is not a leap but thousands of small, daily choices to die to self and serve Christ.

4. Direction Flows from Daily Faithfulness

• “Man plans his purposes, but God directs his steps.” Divine direction is discovered step by step, not in one dramatic revelation.
• Story: Craig’s father-in-law, Sam Fox, never planted a church or wrote a book, yet his consistent discipleship, generosity, and widow-care have shaped Craig’s life more than any public achievement.
• Future impact (the do) is forged in present obedience (the who and why).

Key Truths

• God’s primary will is about the person you are, not the position you hold.
• Right motives empower right actions; hidden selfish motives sabotage them.
• Daily, Spirit-led faithfulness outweighs occasional, headline-worthy moments.
• When you become the right who, God will lead you to the right do.
• When you pursue the right why, God will clarify the right what.

Response

• Seek God about your character before asking about your career.
• Examine your motives with honest prayer; repent where selfishness surfaces.
• Serve Jesus wholeheartedly in your current role—home, class, or workplace.
• Make one small, faithful decision today that aligns you closer to Christlikeness.
• Join or start a LifeGroup during this series for ongoing accountability.

Closing

Craig reminded the church that revival is already happening: thousands baptized and entire cities being touched. The invitation is to step into that movement by becoming the kind of people God can trust.

“Whatever you do, wherever you are, serve Christ there.”

When we focus on who we are and why we act, God faithfully handles the where and what, doing “exceedingly and abundantly more” than we could imagine.

Prayer

The pastor prayed for transformed hearts: that God would forgive sin, cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, purify motives, and lead each believer step by step in Jesus’ direction.

Resources

• Divine Direction: Seven Decisions That Will Change Your Life – Craig Groeschel (book and LifeGroup study)