Why is it that we so often avoid what is God’s best to try to get by with His minimum? We try to get away with doing less than the Lord really wants. Could it be because we don’t want to be self-controlled in all things despite God telling us to do so (2 Timothy 4:5)? In some areas self-control may be easy for us while it may be harder for us in other areas. We seek to avoid the discomfort of such self-discipline. We choose to have comfort over completing the work He has assigned to us. In other words, we make stipulations when God has said we cannot make stipulations if we would follow Him (Matthew 8:22, CW).
Who doesn’t appreciate an escape clause when things get rough? Stipulations sure can avoid a lot of short-term pain. If the Lord objects too much, despite our reasoned and/or passionate bargaining, we think we can always try to do just enough to avoid uncomfortable consequences. It can be so easy to forget that it isn’t supposed to be about us but about lovingly serving Him. After all, Christians are defined as individuals who serve God under the prompting, direction, and empowerment of His Spirit (Philippians 3:3, GW). However, we sometimes think, “let’s just serve enough to not have to deal with the hardship and distaste of self-discipline.” We serve Him as long as it is not too costly, as long as we can still have our status or prosperity, as long as we don’t have to suffer. God help us, but we often want cheap grace and an easy road. Let someone else suffer.
Our avoidance of His best hurts ourselves and others and does not honor Him. He has given us a spirit of self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7) – so we can do what He asks of us. Our being obedient is good news for us and for others. May the Lord help us to see this.
Instead of being timid, learn to be appropriately bold.