Christians are instructed both in the Scripture and from the pulpit to do certain things daily. Including everything from praying, reading the Bible, sharing the gospel, and so on. While most everyone knows of the need to do these things few actually follow through. Instead, they fabricate excuses that make it seem as though they are unable. Many of the reasons given are just awful. I don’t have time or I don’t like to or it’s too hard. The truth is many Christians do not do the things which God has instructed them to do simply because they do not want to. Because if they really wanted to read their Bible or spend time praying or even just make it to church on a regular basis. They would do whatever it takes to make it happen.
What’s sad is just how hard we will keep trying to do things we want to do even if we don’t like it or enjoy it at first. I didn’t enjoy the taste of dip at first but I kept putting it in my mouth. Why did I keep doing it? Because for some dumb reason I really wanted too. So I didn’t let anything stop me. When I got sick from it or when it wasn’t enjoyable I still kept doing it. You may not have smoked or dipped but the same could be said for so many other things we bring into our lives.
When you truly want to do something you won’t let anything keep from doing it. This lesson is taught in scripture many times. Just take a look at the group who tried to bring a lame man to Jesus when he was staying in a house. The house was absolutely packed even before the group arrived.
Mark 2:1–3 (ESV)
1 And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men.
The group did not apologize to the lame man for getting his hopes up. Nor did they say they would try to come back at another time when it wasn’t so busy. When it would be easier to get their friend in the presence of Jesus. No, they took extreme measures and put in hard work because they wanted to see their friend healed of all that ailed him.
Mark 2:4–5 (ESV)
4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
They had every reason not to go any further. Every excuse to give up and not do what they felt led to. But still, they didn’t give up because they really wanted it. So they were willing to do whatever it took to see their friend sitting at the feet of Jesus. Was it hard? Of course, just imagine having to climb on the roof. Digging a hole through it, while I imagine the homeowner was yelling at you for tearing up his home. Then lifting a full-grown man up and lowering him safely back down. This wasn’t quick or simple but in the end, it was all worth it. Because they got to see their friends stand to pick up his mat and walk right out the door.
Mark 2:10–12 (ESV)
10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Or what about the woman with the issue of blood. Jesus is yet again surrounded by a crowd that makes it difficult if not impossible to get close to Him. Especially for someone seen as unclean by all the Jewish people. It seems like she had plenty of good reasons to not even try if she didn’t really want it. But that wasn’t the case for this woman. She believed that she just needed to touch the hem of His garment.
The hem! Not just somewhere on Jesus but the hem of His clothing. Meaning the very bottom. Just inches from the ground. Requiring her not to push through the crowd but to crawl on the ground at the feet of all the people who were not standing still but walking. Again this was not simple, it was not fun. In fact, it was probably very painful. Yet this woman didn’t allow any of that to keep her from going after what she wanted. She did it and was able to just touch the hem and it paid off in a big way.
Matthew 9:20–22 (ESV)
20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
These are just a couple of examples of people who really wanted to be closer to the Lord. They plainly show that if you really want to do something you will do it. No matter what it takes or how hard it seems. You will make it happen if you truly want to do it. Keep making excuses and trying to trick even yourself into believing them. Deep down you know the truth that you simply don’t want to go to church, to read scripture, give, pray, praise, evangelize, etc.. Because if you really wanted to you would do whatever it takes to make it work in your life.
If you find yourself in that place of realizing that your issues of faith have come down to not wanting to do certain things. Please don’t allow that to be enough because this is no small issue. A lack of desire and drive to do what we are taught in the scripture shows a lack of belief in the inspired nature of God’s word and even your belief in God in general.
2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
Knowing who God is and that the Bible is not the word of man but His word should be the driving force in the life of every professing Christian. Causing them to desire to be at Church, to be praying, praising, and studying. If you don’t feel that way then please seek biblical counsel. Speak to your Pastor or someone else in your life who is well versed in scripture. They can help you get on the right track. But also start putting in the hard work and doing those things even if it isn’t enjoyable at first, even if you don’t want to. Because it will all be worth it when you enter the Heavenly gates.
Please help us to show more Christians the real reason they do not want to do certain things. It is not because they are not the best readers or because preaching or prayer just isn’t fun. The truth is they simply have no desire for the things of God. Spread this with us by sharing this article on social media so it can reach more and more people. Thanks for your support and God Bless!
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