We are such an argumentative people. The word “but” means:
“on the contrary; yet, except”Reason: We think – and if there is a reason to doubt, disagree or want another way, we will say it. At least I will. I delve into a discussion and say my thoughts. I want to be heard. I want to let others know my opinion. I think a lot. Mmm... Do I do this with God? When I know in my heart that God wants me to ‘go’ somewhere or ‘do’ something, do I obey immediately? Do I think or do I pray and talk to Him? We are called to obey. There are many Scriptures that tell us we are to obey God. Here are two:
Jeremiah 42:6 “Whether it is favorable or unfavorable, we will obey the LORD our God, to whom we are sending you, so that it will go well with us, for we will obey the LORD our God.”I know that I come up with many excuses. Just as the man in Luke does.
Exodus 19:5 “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”
Luke 9:61 : “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.”Here are some of my excuses:
Do I have time? I can’t do that. What will happen if I do that? That’s too hard. I’m afraid of what she/he will say.Here is another BUT. This one is spiritual. BUT what if I do obey? Will this glorify God? Will this bring joy to my heart? We are commanded to obey. Oswald Chambers for September 27:
"In a conflict of loyalty, obey Jesus Christ at all costs."Obey Jesus Christ at all costs. Wow - I had better rethink my thinking. Are you hearing a call? Have you taken time to listen to Him? Has He told you to ‘go’ or ‘do’ something? What is your excuse? Do you say YES, LORD, BUT….? I remember a song from a few years ago and the words kept coming to me this morning:
I am the king of excuses. I despise my own behaviour. I am in need of a Saviour.You can view it here In the Light on You Tube or below. Hope it blesses you.
Move your butts past the buts!
ReplyDeleteYes let's get our butts in gear - forget the excuses and just do it for God.
ReplyDeleteJ
Jan: I have to agree with everything you say, but the buts are always there, and they raisetwo questions for me.
ReplyDeleteWhy do we always have the buts? If following him is the obvious course, why bother with the impediments? It seems there is always this reluctance despite our desire for dedication to Him.
Second, is hesitancy always wrong. Is the call we feel genuine, or emotional and misleading? How do we know? Time to seek God for clarification is often in order!
Thanks for raising a simple question.
Bryan,
ReplyDeleteI understand fully. I guess as we get closer to union - communion with God we know whether He is speaking or not. Then we need to be ready to move forward in the direction He is sending us - right?
No hesitation when we know that we know it is He.
Blessings,
Jan