Following Jesus

Want a test?

Think about something you could do….some role you could play in helping others in Jesus’ name. Stop right now and think. Nobody’s going to know what you come up with. This is between me and you.

Now, think about how you might actually move forward with your idea.

I’ll bet ya that within 45 seconds, your mind ran to how inconvenient it would be to take it on.

Convenience is virtually sacred in America. And it’s taking the place of true involvement and heart-felt commitment to doing what Jesus called us to do.

I’ll make up a few ideas.... See if your thought pattern is like mine….

IDEA : “I could lead a Bible study at the nursing home for the elderly and the abandoned”.

INCONVENIENCE : “I don’t have that kind of time.” “I certainly couldn’t commit on any kind of regular basis. It would be a lot of work to get the nursing home people to agree to let me do this. It would be more trouble than it’s worth.” Potential Interpretation: I don’t really care that much.

IDEA: “They need more volunteers in our service times. I could sign up.”

INCONVIENCE : “We go to the lake house so much. And of course there’s football in the fall. I just don’t see how I could take it on.” Potential Interpretation: Serving isn’t really important enough for me to be inconvenienced.

IDEA: “Our friends are going through a rough patch in their marriage right now. We should invite them over for dinner and “love on them” a little. Heck, we might even be able to help.”

INCONVENIENCE: “Well, we already have our small group on Tuesday night. And Sam’s birthday party is next Saturday. That’s just one more thing.” Potential Interpretation: Their problems are their problems. I don’t care enough to be inconvenienced.

One more….

IDEA: “Maybe I could mentor a group of younger men for a season.”

INCONVENIENCE : “Wow, those guys are going to take up so much of my time. I’m already busy. The church staff guys get paid to do that sort of thing.” Potential Interpretation: “Me and mine” has trumped serving God and others…..again.

Don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying we should say ‘yes’ to everything we’re invited to do.  But I am suggesting we start being more honest with ourselves and ask this question….

Is my hesitance to step out and serve coming from a lack of calling or a lack of convenience?

How about you? Will you at least ask the “convenience” question before you say ‘no’ to what God may be calling you to do?