Not real sure how this post is going to play out, but I've had some thoughts running through my head today about life, love and other mysteries. Yes that was a Point of Grace joke and if you got it, I am shaking my head at you too whether you admit it or not.
The main thing today that has been putting my brain through the spin cycle today is whether or not "we" as "the church" ever use the phrase, "I'll pray about it" as an excuse to be inactive. This could be due to fear, laziness, selfishness or many other reasons I am sure. I may sound cynical here, but sometimes I wonder if when people say, "I'll pray about it" if I will ever hear from that person again regarding the topic that was discussed at that moment. The reality is that I have often been guilty of that exact thing. We walk away from the conversation and I feel good about my oh so spiritual self.
Now I believe there are a lot of things we need to be praying about because without God's guidance in many areas we can get ourselves into some pretty deep waters. Again speaking from experience here. Yet, I also believe there are things that I believe we DO NOT need to pray about. Now before you decide to tar and feather me and call me a heretic, give me a brief window of opportunity to explain myself. In scripture it speaks to if someone comes to you and says, "I am hungry" and you say "I will pray for you now go on your way", what good does that do? I know that's not the exact wording, but you get the idea. From my experience it seems that there are opportunities that hit us smack dab in the face and land in our lap and I feel that it displeases God for us to say, "Perhaps I should pray about it" instead of just doing what we know is right. Again often times it seems that we just say that we need to pray so that time will pass and we will be removed from the conversation/situation and will most likely forget about it.
I discovered today that for me the Holy Spirit has a southern drawl and has Perry Noble's voice. As I was presented with an opportunity to bless a family that I do not know I wrestled with the thought's of "can I afford this" and the voice said, "you cannot outgive God". As I thought "perhaps I should pray about this" the voice said "really? well what shall they have for supper?" At that moment it became very apparent to me that it was time to act and not pray as God has made it very clear in His Word how deeply he loves the lost, the poor, the widows and the hungry and He will never be disappointed in us "doing what is good" and taking opportunities to bless "the lost, the least, the last and the little".
So what are we facing today? Yes in many area's in life it is very appropriate to pray and seek God's wisdom and direction, but let us never use the phrase "I'll pray about it" as an opportunity to get us out of a situation where it is very obvious that we can help. The least we can do is call a spade a spade and say, "I am not helping you because I am more concerned by my own desires" or whatever excuse we have. May we never try to "spiritualize" our selfishness under the mask of seeking God and when it comes to helping those who are down and out, don't pray... Just Do It!
Blessings,
~swl~
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