When I Drag My Feet

For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.  Hebrews 6:10-11 

‘Sluggish’ is an interesting word and carries the picture of someone dragging their feet.  Do you know anyone who drags their feet on most everything you suggest?  You knew before you mentioned something that you would get resistance.  Nothing you come up with is a great idea.  They see themselves victimized by it somehow.  Now, they might comply but you know they’ll be negative the whole time.  You might say under your breath that it would have been easier to just do it alone.

It’s very humbling to realize that the sluggard can be me. Am I the one dragging my feet where the ideas of God are concerned?  Do the things that excite God excite me?  Does every suggestion from scripture appeal to me or am I the one trying to find excuses to get out of it?  I’ve lived some of my life complying with the commandments of God as if He were unreasonable and I was a victim.  I wanted to do what I wanted to do.    

Paul knew that sluggishness is a temptation.  He said, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9 

What’s the fix for my contrary spirit?  It would appear that I should rise up, give myself a good talking to, and just stop being lazy.  That would be the biggest mistake.  That’s the legalist in me.  I try to talk myself into doing what is right and behave appropriately.  So, what’s wrong with that?  I must realize that this is not a behavioral issue but a heart issue.  God doesn’t want, nor deserve, a whiny child.  He wants a friend/partner who engages with His redemptive plan joyfully.  His ideas are energizing if the Spirit of God is large in me.  If they seem like a drag, my need for quiet time with Jesus has never been greater.  Our love life has been starved by everything else that seemed more appealing.

You don’t need me to do anything.  You invite me. It’s a privilege to be asked.  Fill my heart with joy for every single thing you place in front of me today.  Amen