It needs to be said.
We Christians tend to have big “buts” and we need to do something about them. It’s true that some have bigger “buts” than others, but we all have… big “buts.”
They are, essentially, the excuses we use to do what we want. To stay in our comfortable, predictable, safe lives. To keep us from allowing God to use us for His purposes and His glory.
Struggling to understand? See if any of these ring true.
- I’d love to lead a Bible study… BUT… I am not qualified.
- That ministry would be cool to support… BUT… we need to replace our carpet.
- Wow, I’d love to take that mission trip… BUT… I should save my vacation time for family trips.
- I think God is wanting me to take a leap of faith… BUT… I could be wrong. Better safe than sorry!
- My church needs volunteers… BUT… my time is limited right now.
Anyone?
Why is your “but” so big? Are you scared? Overwhelmed? Lack self-esteem? Too self-absorbed. Tired? Unable to trust? Running from God?
Let’s face it… this is a BIG issue in the church today.
Have you noticed that your “but” get bigger when you are not in the Word and not focused on serving God? The minute I take my eyes off of Jesus, my “but” grows. It becomes all about me.
I think there is a remedy, though.
It’s quite simply… fruit. The fruit of the Spirit, that is.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Each of these “fruits” are mainly from us and for others. Notice that? They cause us to be others-focused.
Since we are Christ-followers, these “fruits” are the spontaneous work of the Holy Spirit in us. It’s just part of the deal.
When we allow these fruits to grow and flourish… our “buts” get smaller.
I don’t want to be known for my “but”… I want to be known for my fruit. 🙂
You, too?
Why does my “buts” get bigger in the summer when I have kiddos home! UGH! Thanks for the reminder. Getting rid of some of the “buts” is part of that sanctification thing, huh??!!! Go God!!!
I love this, Carey. I so needed the reminder and am glad you are willing to put it out there. I certainly don’t want to have a big “but” or worse, several big buts :). Thanks for the challenging reminders – Keep ’em coming.
What a good reminder for me as my fear keeps rearing its head at me every time I sit to write! You are right, the ‘But’ gets bigger when I am not in His Word or in Listening prayer; waiting on God to speak to me. My ‘but’ is really my fear in disguise. The ‘buts’ are just reasons for me not to TRY to fulfill God’s plan for my life. I am always reminded of the picture of Indiana Jones when he was seeking the Holy Grail to heal his wounded father. The last ‘test’ was a step of faith. He blindly took a step out into a bottomless chasm that he needed to cross. His provision, an invisible bridge, did not make itself known untill he took a step. So often a miracle is met when we take a step of faith toward it. So, every day, I face my ‘buts’ and take a step toward it, looking for the provision to follow! Let us all live with such expectation of God!
Amen, sister! Great IJ illustration! You are sooooo gifted… now write! Don’t make me have to drive down there…. 🙂