In the church, we have devalued actions in favor of feelings.

Have you ever heard someone use the reason for not doing something as “I don’t feel like it.” We usually don’t mean, I’m sick when we say that; rather, I just don’t have the inclination or I don’t really want to. Of course all of us have to do things we “don’t feel like doing.” We go to work, take care of errands, etc. because we have to….

We have a mistaken notion that feelings determine actions. We fail to understand that actions often determine our feelings. No where is that more true than spiritually.

This is reflected in how when God wants to do something for us that we are often asked to take the first step. In the Old Testament story where the children of Israel are fleeing the Egyptians they find themselves trapped by the Red Sea. God has them step into the water before the waters are parted so they can cross. In a New Testament story, Jesus says to a cripple man, “Rise take up your bed, and walk.” When the man tries to do that he finds that he has been healed. We ask God to help us do well in our classes, our job, etc. Then we discover it is only as we study, as we work that he does exactly that.

If we want a closer relationship with God, we are told to read the Bible, pray, attend worship, and reach out to others in love. And when we do those things we find our self growing closer to the Lord.

What do you want God to do in your life? Is there a first step you need to take? Now is a good time to reflect on what that might be and then to take it.

“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.” -Galatians 6:9

Filed under: The Journey |