Thoughtful Thursday 

It’s Easy When It’s Easy

Since I was the youngest in my family, some of my older brothers and sisters had already left home when I was just a small child. Two of them joined the military, and two of them started families. Therefore, I have nieces and nephews that are close to my age. It’s fun to recall the times that they would come and visit when we were little. We played and laughed together, slept on pallets, (quilts), on the floor, and made many memories. Even today, when we get together and have family reunions, we like to reminisce about those early days. We’ll say, “Remember that time…”

My nieces like to embellish one particular memory. They will say, “Remember when you used to make us play Scrabble with you, and you always won?” “Yes…” I said…I knew where this was going. Then they would look around at the rest of the family, and declare loudly, “We were only four or five years old! We hadn’t even started school yet!” Then everybody would laugh and laugh, because I was probably in the fifth grade at that time. It was easy for me to win, in that situation!

Likewise, when things are going easy for us, we can sometimes get a false sense of security. It’s easy for us to feel good about our Christian walk. We read verses like:

James 1:22 - “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only…”
Matthew 22:39 - “…Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 19:19 - “Honor your father and mother…”
John 3:16 - “ …whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish…”
Luke 6:31 - “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

We may think to ourselves, “I can do that…I do what the Bible says; I love my neighbor; I honor my father and mother; I believe in Christ; I’m good to people.”

But suppose a day comes, when things aren’t so easy? Perhaps you’ve been mistreated in some way. Maybe a coworker betrays you to get a promotion? Suppose a dear friend has talked bad about you behind your back? Suppose someone steals from you? Suppose you get so angry, because someone doesn’t believe the same way you do? Suppose you have an argument with someone, and you just can’t reconcile?

If we are not careful, bitterness can take root in our heart, and can drive us away from the Lord’s teaching. We can find ourselves feeding on our anger, and feeding our anger. One thought leads to another, until we work ourselves into a frenzy. We may even harbor that bitterness and allow hate to live within our heart.

If we truly want to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, here is where the rubber meets the road. We are told in God’s word:

“…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?” (Matthew 5:46)

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:28)

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)

And finally, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

It’s easy to feel good about ourselves when we read the first set of scriptures listed. But, the second set…sometimes that’s hard…it’s REALLY hard! We feel justified in our anger. We think, “I was right, and you were wrong!” Pride enters in. No good thing can come from holding on to anger and bitterness.

So…if we really want to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, if we really want to follow Jesus’ example, are we willing to let go? Are we willing to humble ourselves? Are we willing to submit to God’s will?

Life is not a game of Scrabble…but it sure has something to do with THE WORD. I am reminded of an old hymn:

“Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way,
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me, after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way,
Hold o’er my being absolute sway,
Fill with Thy Spirit, till all shall see,
Christ only, always, living in me.”

Today, I pray that we all can be doers of the Word…even when it’s not easy.

HAVE A GREAT THURSDAY!