Coasting.

Sometimes when I write I have an idea that has been brewing in my mind for a while and I have to hit the keyboard right away or else I just might burst from holding it in.  Other times I have a single word that comes to mind and I just need to start typing and see where that word takes me.

Today the latter of these two scenario's happened as the single word "coasting" came to mind and I felt to speak to it.  Interesting.

In general, I have found that a majority of my life has been about this word.  Going with the flow.  Remaining super chill and just living by the premise that "whatever will be will be".  Although I think this not a bad thing in an of itself, but by it's nature coasting can lead to unhealthy habits.  Not stressing is good, but being so chill to the point of letting responsibility take the back seat is problematic.  I am grateful to God for providing me with a beautiful household of gals that has helped me focus this.  I still try to remain unstressed even in tough times (once had a t-shirt that said, "I'm too blessed to be stressed"), but I also must be focused in as to best provided for those the Lord has given me responsibility for.

But let's focus on this word coast/coasting.  What is it and what's the implications of coasting in life?

I found this definition of the word coast and it struck me.
Coast: verb (of a person or vehicle) to move easily without using power.

Initially I say, "Yup, that's what coasting means", but as I think on it for a second or two a few things dawn on me.

#1) to move - Life moves. It doesn't stand still so whether your a hyper control freak of a super chill go with the flow person, you have to move and adapt and adjust to life and it's "changes".

#2) move easily - We all want things easily.  Honestly it is how we are bent.  We create inventions to make things less strenuous, less time consuming and to make life easier.  Coasting is moving, but moving easily.  It makes sense that we could lean towards this type of lifestyle and how it is natural to coast.

#3) to move easily "without using power" - This is the point of this definition that really caught me today.  We move.  We try to do whatever it takes to move through life easily, but the definition says in order to do that it comes from doing it without using power.

Hmmm? This piece of the definition startled me a bit.  I've coasted a good portion of my life which has given me the wonderful opportunity to untrain myself with natural frustrating habits that I have coasted into.  As I read this definition and reflect on life I can easily make the connection that it's because I have coasted without a source of power.  Which leads to the question, "Why?"  Being relaxed and worry free is good, but seeking easy without power is not.  God's power challenges our natural.  God's power in our lives doesn't allow us to coast as it focuses me on the shortcomings that coasting misses.

How strange and sad it is that we can live life without the power source in our lives.
Scripture says in 1 Corinthians 4:20

“For the kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” 

Not just a lot of talk.  Talk is easy.  It's from us.  Not a ton of effort or challenge, but serving God, living for God and representing Him is more than just talk.  It's living by God's power which can be stretching as it's beyond us, our thoughts and our capabilities.  

So let me wrap up this way.  How are we living?  Yes it is good to not worry, but let's be careful to not coast without God's power leading us.  Let's be intentional with how we live our lives.  I guess even when I was coasting I was being intentional to not worry and let life's stresses get to me.  That being said I can be intentional to not coast and miss out on those moments when my initiative can be intentional.  Let me give you this definition of Generous that I recently heard from Pastor Andy Stanley. 

"The premeditated (planned not spontaneous), calculated (amount), designated (knowing where it's spent)  emancipation (free from bondage we create with items) of personal financial (or time, or talents, etc) assets."  

So what shall we do?  Coast and hope for the best or intentionally impact our life, this world and the lives of others with the power of Christ leading us the way.  

Hope this makes sense.  Like I said.  Sometimes I just start with a word and run with it.  Coasting.  Who knew this word could spark so much in me.  Hmmmm?