How many times has someone asked you to do something and your answer was, "If it's convenient"? I know I've said that many times. Deep down we want to answer in the affirmative but we need to figure out if it fits our schedule. Sometimes we use that phrase so that we can get out of doing what we're being asked to do. Let's be honest - we each have a lot going on and fitting others needs and requests into our schedule can be difficult. Let's also be honest and admit sometimes we simply don't want to answer in the affirmative.
Yesterday I mentioned the fact that throughout history, from creation through today, God is seeking us out. When He seeks us out He asks us to do something. Just like when He showed up in Abraham's life and asked him to leave his extended family and move, God seeks us out and calls us to follow His plan. Of course the one most important aspect of His call is to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:14). However, He calls us to do more than that, He calls us to follow Him, to share Christ with others, to serve others, to put others first, to forgive others, to love others, to be kind and compassionate, and the list goes on and on.
Here is where our phrase for today comes in - sometimes we simply say to God, "If it's convenient". We treat God's request and commands like we do those of others. If it fits into our schedule, if it doesn't change our plans, if it's easy and simple, if it doesn't cost us time, then we'll do it.
Now let me get to the heart of the matter. Many times we simply do not live Biblically because it doesn't fit what we want to do. I've seen it so many times, people say they believe the Bible but when push comes to shove they do their own thing and ignore Biblical truth. If it's convenient, if it fits what I want then I'll do it. If it means we've got to sacrifice and do something we don't want to do, then we simply ignore God's Word and do what others and the world tells us to do.
Let me encourage you, and myself as I am just like you in this regard - do what God's word says even if it's not convenient or you don't agree with it. You'll never regret doing life Biblically. It might be hard and it might mean sacrifice, but in the end you'll be blessed and better off.
Remember - not only is He looking for you He's expecting you to answer in word and action even if it's not convenient.
Pastor Carl