Don’t Be Tasteless Salt
The Bible condemns our doing God’s will in a half-hearted way. Such a practice leads to our being punished (Jer 48:10, BBE). When we are habitually living half-heartedly, we show that we are not fit to be part of God’s Kingdom because we don’t want Him to rule us (Lk 9:62, NEB). As the Catholic Study Bible points out, a half-hearted person is like tasteless salt that doesn’t serve its purpose (note on Lk 14:34-35).
Undoubtedly, there are times when we all display some half-heartedness. However, when we frequently are half-hearted we end up only doing half-work, if you will. We do not do what the Lord intended for us to do. We confuse others about what it means to be a Christian. In addition, we put ourselves at risk for His disapproval and discipline. If half-heartedness toward God is a lifestyle, we may do well to ask if we are truly His. After all, the half-hearted disciple should not expect to get anything from God (Jas 1:6-8).
How, then, do we avoid half-heartedness? We build up our faith, patiently endure trials, and remember that we will inherit if we zealously persevere (Heb 6:11-12, Weymouth). We focus on the task at hand and access the earnestness or zeal which the Holy Spirit provides. Thus, the way to avoid being half-hearted in our devotion to God is to eagerly yield to the Holy Spirit’s moment-by-moment influence in our lives (Rom 12:11, GW with CEV).
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.