Making It Possible
“Remember this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” – 2 Corinthians. 9:6-8 (NLT)
Well, I should.
Ever said that? More than once perhaps? Why is it that as Christians we live so much of our lives thinking about all the things we “should” do?
When someone comes to you and says, “You should” or “You have to,” what is your immediate response? I don’t want to! It’s the way we’re wired. I tell you, you have to do something and it will most likely be the thing you least want to do. BUT if you choose to do the very same thing, you might soar at it and do a fantastic job. It’s all a matter of perspective.
When it comes to following God’s call we too often look at it as something we have to do or should do. What if we looked at it as something we “get” to do? Something I choose to do?
God tells us if we go about faith in small ways, our returns will be small. But if we go about faith in big ways the harvest will be huge – not only in our lives, but in the lives of others. But whatever you choose to invest whether it’s your time, your heart, your resources, whatever, God calls you and me to do so with a cheerful heart. You choose to do it, because you want to, not because you have to!
Why is this so important? Because God does not call us to live our lives out of guilt or fear, but he wants us to answer his call because we want to. And when we do answer with this kind of attitude then God is able to bless us in ways he can’t otherwise. Not because God isn’t able, but because we won’t be able to understand what God is doing. If I am serving because I have to I will simply see the task to be done and try to get it done as quickly as possible. If I am serving because I want to, then God can do so much more through me and in me.
So, today, how about choosing to answer God’s call not because you “should” but because you get to? What about making God’s mission happen because you can not because you “have to”? It might seem like a small matter but it’s a matter of the heart which makes all the difference in the world!!
Bringing It Home:
1. What are some of the things you always feel you “should” do because you are a Christian? How would your attitude change about these things if they were things you chose to do rather than feeling like you “have to”?
2. Today, choose at least one of the “shoulds” in your life and start thinking about it in an I-could-do-this manner. What happens? How do you feel? Try it! Do it now!
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I know my sinful heart so often doesn’t want to do what you desire for me. Help me today to have a willing heart. Help me see life as “I could” instead of “I should.” Change the way I think, that I might live in your joy even more! In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Jane Jebsen, Adult Discipleship Minister
Joy! Lutheran Church / Gurnee, Illinois
www.joylutheran.org
