If you read last weeks newsletter or attended one of our services then you would be aware that the season of Advent has kicked off. We are in a season of preparation, anticipation, and waiting. Sometimes I think we like waiting because it means we do nothing. Francis Chan in his book ‘Crazy Love’ says “Most of us use “I’m waiting for God to reveal His calling on my life” as a means of avoiding action.”
Francis Chan throws out a very compelling challenge to us in this season of waiting … “Did you hear God calling you to sit in front of the television yesterday? Or to go on your last vacation? Or exercise this morning? Probably not, but you still did it. The point isn’t that television, vacations or exercise are wrong, but that we are quick to rationalize our entertainment and priorities yet are slow to commit to serving God.”
Maybe this rings true for you? Francis Chan goes on to recount a story …”A friend of mine was speaking at an event recently. Afterward a guy came up and told him, ‘I would go serve God as a missionary overseas, but, honestly, if I went right now it would only be out of obedience’. ”
I guess the question would be ..”So whats wrong with acting out of obedience?” Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).
Jesus did not say, “If you love me you will obey me when you feel called or good about doing so….” If we love, then we obey. Period. This sort of matter-of-fact obedience is part of what it means to live a life of faith even in this season of waiting.