Courageous Joy

Teachable Moments

I had an early morning discussion with one of my young men. He asked a good question. I thought I’d pass it on and hear what you all think.

“Why would God ask you to give up something good? How do you know God is asking you to do that?”

We discussed that when I was growing up Christians thought (or my generation someone caught the idea) that if it was something you really liked or really wanted to do it wasn’t God’s will. :::snort::: I shared that I’ve since studied verses like Ps 37:4 that lead me to believe that God PLACES those desires in our heart and that we get into a “self-denial” kick and sometimes walk away from the delightful will of God that He has planned for us. I’ve seen folks who tried to deny their God-given gifts or talents because if it was something they enjoyed it must not be God. I think my young man is in this camp – thinking that God must require something really HARD for us to somehow show our devotion to Him. Grace can be so hard to simply accept.

We also discussed that often GOOD things can become idols. They take the focus and affection that only God and the cross should have in our life. Sometimes God asks us to give something up for a time so that He can refocus our attention. Sometimes He gives it back when our focus is changed and its control in our lives is broken. Examples of this would be Wayne Barber and his bass fishing, my ministry {g}, pleasure reading, chocolate…..all things (except the fishing) that I’ve been led to give up for a time. We discussed how even things like “family time” can become an idol. Maybe my young man is in this camp.

We discussed balance between living an aesthetic lifestyle and serving God joyfully, while thanking Him for the blessings in our life. He does tend to aesthetisism….I could see him sitting on a pole in a desert if he thought God required it of him.

Anyway – how would you respond? What would you add? I don’t think the discussion is over. Can you think of other reasons that God would ask you to give up something GOOD? Do you have any tips you would give as to HOW to know that God is asking and that you aren’t just trying to “do something” to earn grace? Though we are supposed to respond to grace….see how tricky this question can be? Do you love these sorts of questions? I suspect that this is something many of us wonder regardless of our age.

BTW this is not a moral issue at all. My son LOVES to write and from time to time has felt that he needs to give it up. I can’t quite see WHY that would be – because God has given him a talent for this - but neither do I want to say it ISN’T God – because it may be….. You know, I really do enjoy this age too….Hmmm are one year olds, pre-schoolers or young adults my favorite? I think all. {G}