Many of us, I think, live within certain parameters that seem logical to us. We set up boundaries and guidelines that make sense. These boundaries and guidelines may not, in fact, jive with Scripture or with the ways of God. Still, they shape our lives and dictate our choices and influence us in profound ways.
For example, most of us believe that if we obey God, certain things should come from that. If we obey God, for example, we should get a pass on extreme suffering. If we obey God, we should enjoy some benefits. If we obey God, things ought to work out for us - at least, they should work out for us much better than they would have if we had not obeyed!
And, ultimately, I suppose, there is some truth in those thoughts. If we take the long view and if we bring eternity into the conversation, I guess that point of view makes sense. On the other hand, that point view isn't true at all in the short term. As logical as that kind of thinking seems - it is not taught in Scripture. And even our own experience tells us that it's not true.
In fact, obedience often leads not to immediate blessing . . . but to increased suffering.
Imagine that!
Even so, I find myself from time to time trying to bargain with God.
His direction is clear. I distinctly hear his call. He gives me guidance and he shows me the steps I should take. And I want very much to do what he says. Before I move forward, though, I enter into a time of negotiation with God. Specifically, I tell God what I think should happen if I choose to obey.
"God, if I do what you're asking me to do, then this is what I expect in return."
It's a perfectly normal way to think. That kind of bargaining (spoken or unspoken) is something we do in almost every relationship we have.
I am amazed, though, to discover that God has absolutely no interest in my negotiation. His call to obedience is radical and without condition. Other than the promise of his presence, God offers me nothing in return for my obedience. And he doesn't even care that I think that's unfair! He simply reminds me that he is God - and that I am not.
Some years ago, I read a line from Oswald Chambers that still sticks in my mind. It was something like this: Beware of the inclination to dictate to God as to what you will allow to happen if you obey him.
Evidently, God isn't interested in the conditions that I would like to place on my obedience. He is interested only in my obedience. Amazingly, he expects me to leave all consequences and outcomes with him . . . not knowing at all what they might be.
I still think things should work out a certain way if I obey. That just makes sense to me. But even though it makes sense to me, it doesn't seem to be the way that God works. His call is clear. And, other than his presence, he gives no guarantees. He simply expects me to obey.
So I'm left with this simple question: Is his presence enough? If that is all that he offers to me, is that enough?
If it is enough . . . then I will choose obedience.
Even when the immediate consequences are unclear.
His direction is clear. I distinctly hear his call. He gives me guidance and he shows me the steps I should take. And I want very much to do what he says. Before I move forward, though, I enter into a time of negotiation with God. Specifically, I tell God what I think should happen if I choose to obey.
"God, if I do what you're asking me to do, then this is what I expect in return."
It's a perfectly normal way to think. That kind of bargaining (spoken or unspoken) is something we do in almost every relationship we have.
I am amazed, though, to discover that God has absolutely no interest in my negotiation. His call to obedience is radical and without condition. Other than the promise of his presence, God offers me nothing in return for my obedience. And he doesn't even care that I think that's unfair! He simply reminds me that he is God - and that I am not.
Some years ago, I read a line from Oswald Chambers that still sticks in my mind. It was something like this: Beware of the inclination to dictate to God as to what you will allow to happen if you obey him.
Evidently, God isn't interested in the conditions that I would like to place on my obedience. He is interested only in my obedience. Amazingly, he expects me to leave all consequences and outcomes with him . . . not knowing at all what they might be.
I still think things should work out a certain way if I obey. That just makes sense to me. But even though it makes sense to me, it doesn't seem to be the way that God works. His call is clear. And, other than his presence, he gives no guarantees. He simply expects me to obey.
So I'm left with this simple question: Is his presence enough? If that is all that he offers to me, is that enough?
If it is enough . . . then I will choose obedience.
Even when the immediate consequences are unclear.