Just Do It!

Joshua 2:22-3:8 Upon getting the report from the two spies, Joshua thought it best to form a special steering committee.  He also wanted to spend some time exegeting relevant Bible passages.  And he instructed the elders to go on a weekend planning retreat.  Wait, is that what the Bible says?  Nope!  When Joshua heard God’s message reported by the spies, it was all he needed.  He got up early the next morning to begin the process of moving the people into the land.  He knew what God expected of him and he knew that it was time to do what God had been preparing him to do.  There was no need for more discussion groups, prayer services, or study sessions.  He didn’t even call for a vote of the people.  It was time to go. Unfortunately, many Christians don’t respond with Joshua’s determination and resolve even when they know what God expects them to do.  Why do we procrastinate?  Why do we make excuses?  Why do we always say, “I’ll pray about it,” when we already know what the right thing to do is?  You know how the conversation goes.  Someone gets asked, “You’re not serving anywhere at the church, I noticed.”  “No, I’m not.”  “We have some needs, would you serve in the nursery?”  “Uh, gee… Let me go and pray about it.”  All the while, they’re really thinking, “I’m going to say, ‘No’ but I’m going to look spiritual when I do say, ‘no.’ And if I say I prayed about it, then they can’t question my answer.”  You may be similarly putting off doing what you know God wants you to do.  For example, you know that God commands you to give your time and resources to support the work of His ministry.  You don’t need to pray whether to give or server; you know the answer already.  The only thing you need to be asking God is, “How much?”  Or you may be in a dating relationship and you know you need to make some changes.  But you refuse to do it; you keep putting it off.  Does this person love God and respect you?  You don’t need to pray whether to continue in the relationship or not; you already know what you should be doing.  Or you may be holding a grudge against a fellow Christian.  Do you need to pray to find out that you must forgive and seek reconciliation?  No.  If you know that God wants you to do something you’re not doing, or stop something you are doing, why waste time praying about it?  What’s another Bible study exercise going to reveal?  Why make excuses?  Why procrastinate?  Just do it! But prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hears who delude themselves.  James 1:22