We Make It Too Hard

I remember being asked riddles as I was growing up that had a lot of details. I would try to keep track of how many of each item was talked about and was anticipating what the final question was going to be. In the end, it was such a basic question, but I had been so busy trying to figure out all the details that I often would miss the obvious answer. We seem to have a habit of doing that. Instead of working on the basics and doing that well, we begin to focus on things that are beyond our responsibility. An example might be when entertaining company, we are told that they will just eat some oatmeal for breakfast. We might offer more and they decline. In order to make ourselves feel like better hosts, we may try to make a big hot breakfast or a fancy brunch. The intent is good, but maybe they have allergies or are on a diet, or for what ever other reason cannot have what is made. We put in a lot of work that accomplishes very little. We see that in sharing our faith. I read a quote recently that said, “It is not our business to make the message acceptable, but to make it available. We are not to see that they like it, but that they get it.” We take responsibility for things that are not ours to do. We feel as if we have failed if they don’t respond in a positive way to what we have shared. The problem is, that is not our job. We are not to water down the gospel or try to make it easier to accept. Instead of being honest about unwise choices, we sometimes are tempted to soften God’s word so as not to offend the person. That’s not our job. The truth is that God has called us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with them, whether they choose to listen or not. Why are we so often more concerned with how someone feels about what we say and do than we care what God thinks? When Jesus returns to judge the earth, he is not looking for who had good intentions. He’s not looking for the person with the most friends or who gave the most financially. He is looking for the person who has a true faith in Jesus. This faith will dictate how we act. A strong faith would indicate someone who will not compromise easily on their faith. Are you willing to stand on what you believe no matter what? Are you sure? Father, I want to serve You with all my heart, but my sinful nature is always tugging at me. Help me to trust You always. Amen