“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17
For those of us who live with chronic illness and/or pain, it’s often a real balancing act trying to figure out what we can or should do and what we need to avoid. We must be careful not to exacerbate our problems by being reckless, but we don’t want to stop living either. Unfortunately, too many times, it’s easy to avoid doing something we are called to by saying that we don’t feel up to it. However, this isn’t just about our illness. It goes much deeper to our attitude and what’s important to us. Whether we are ill or not, we all face life’s challenges, physical limitations and mood swings. Too often we find an excuse not to do something and that’s what James is referring to in this passage. Today is one of those days for me. I need to write to be faithful to God’s calling, but I don’t feel like rising to the occasion. Between the weather changing and traveling over the weekend, my body has been crashing and I’m just worn out. It’s not that I am unable to write, I would just rather not do anything…and there’s the rub. I’m able but would rather not. To write will not threaten my wellbeing or overall health so there really is no risk. So here I am, writing, because it is the right thing to do. In that light, let’s consider overcoming laziness, using discernment, facing risk, and looking for strength.
A passage that I’m often quoting to myself is Proverbs 6:6: “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise”. So often what we battle is just laziness and we just need to move. While there are many examples I’d just like to focus on one common problem that affects all of the others…gathering with brothers and sisters in Christ. It may be a bible study or church, but it is something we often take for granted and pass on too easily because we can go next time. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us “let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” It’s a clear directive that we so often ignore and the benefit is real. Meeting together with other Christians for study and worship promotes relationships, feeds our souls and, most importantly, draws is closer to God. For me, the motivator is the many friends that I have who often long to participate but cannot because of their health issues. It’s not something that we should take for granted or be careless with as it affects our ability to be discerning and trust God as well as our spiritual strength. It’s an important part of our lives and we should make every effort.
With regard to “not feeling like it”, we also need to be aware of the mental hurdles. They come in different forms. For me it’s feeling that the effort is monumental. Over time I have found that the exertion actually required is not nearly as bad as I had imagined. More often than not, if I just keep moving, I get through it and in the end, I’m usually glad that I did.
Clearly we are called to discernment. I’ve been asked to participate in two ministry events. I need to carefully consider both for multiple reasons. My body says no, my soul says yes and my mind says seek God’s will. Seeking God’s will is what we should always do rather than the knee jerk reactions guided by preferences, feelings or guilt. When it comes to discernment James 1:5 and Proverbs 3:5-6 are great starting points. First we need to seek God’s wisdom rather than our own and allow Him to guide us. Sometimes it’s through prayer, sometimes scripture, sometimes the counsel of wise godly people, but more often than not, it’s some combination of the three.
To live well will always include a certain amount of risk. We can’t hide in a corner to avoid the risks of life and expect to live well. Sometimes the risk is emotional, sometimes financial, and sometimes physical. But God promises us that He will always be with us and asks us to trust Him. Living in a sinful world, we may, in fact, be harmed doing God’s will which is why we are called to forgive, trust God for our provisions and rely on Him for strength and healing, but the risks should not keep us from doing those things to which He has truly called us. Once we have received God’s direction, we should step out boldly trusting His perfect plan for us.
Finally, there is the matter of strength. Again, the form may vary from person to person and situation to situation, but everything that we are called to do will require a certain amount of strength and God promises to supply that as well. Isaiah 40 is a clear and well used reminder. “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Further, Philippians 4:19 reminds us that God will provide: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
To live well, we must align our attitudes and desires with God’s so that we complete the tasks and participate in the events that He calls us to. The beauty is that what He has planned for each of us is tailored to our unique traits and limitations. Don’t avoid living the life to which your Heavenly Father has called you because you don’t feel like it. Rather live well trusting in the sustaining power of Christ knowing that rewards outweigh the effort necessary.