Friday, April 22, 2011

Just do it

One of my friends recently wrote to say Happy Birthday.  He added:
Hope you have a year full growing in Jesus and obeying and following him!
I replied by asking if he'd pray for me, specifically for obedience.  This past winter I was sensing God inviting me to let go of a few habits I'd been developing. In talking with my friend, he said, why don't you just do it? Just give up whatever God invites you to give up.

My answer was: because I don't want to!

Lent is almost over.  But, before Lent I remembered this conversation and decided to just do it.

I've remembered that sometimes "just doing it" is the only way to do it. For example - Jesus says "love your enemy." Generally, waiting until you feel like loving your enemy won't accomplish the task (I often prefer to procrastinate). Picking an action that is loving toward that person and performing it will cause the obedience Jesus asked for. I believe as I practice, it will get easier, and eventually, I will actually like to love my enemy. And, on top of all that, the joy that comes from being near God is great.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

and it makes me think - what are the things that God or Jesus wants us to give up? why is it always chocolate or computer games or pedicures? why not use of our cars/beer/mutual funds or the other things that we 'can't live without'? and is it really once a year?

~corn dogs

Unknown said...

Corn Dogs - this is really a good question. I believe when we ask God or Jesus that question, they will eventually show us what is between us and "life to the full." And when we hear about that, it's important to practice the sacrifice beyond Lent too!

That's the funny thing about this journey of life - it's a little different for each of us. I think that's why Jesus had so many different words for the different people he met during his couple years of "ministry."

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