Just Do It
We probably all remember the massive ad campaign of a sports brand a decade or so ago - "Just do it". Catchy thought. I know it was no doubt mostly geared to make more sales for the company rather than express a genuine concern for the health of all of us who would rather buy the gear but watch others sweat as they used it. Still, there is real truth in those three words and benefit to gain IF we would just follow their advice and "do" it.
God gives similar counsel to his people. His "just do it" is expressed in one word used over and over again and which, because of this repetition, leaves no doubt as to the main thought being conveyed in Deuteronomy 4. He begins by saying in verse 2 "Just obey the commands of the Lord your God." Obedience. We all adhere to the message, the virtue and benefit of that one word but I wonder how often we opt to watch others pick up their gear and sweat it out while we root and "amen" from the sidelines. Obedience is not measured in wishful thinking, good intentions or abstraction. Obedience is just doing it - "it" being whatever God has told us to do. When did we start thinking that we could be Christ followers without following Christ? What would happen if instead of talking about loving God, I just loved Him? Or debating the need for prayer and just prayed? Or actually did everything to the glory of God instead of personal fulfillment? What if I loved' til it hurt, gave 'til I had no more, blessed those who didn't like or agree with me? God is pretty clear about the non-negotiable nature of obedience, so why do we so often make it an option?
Please don't get me wrong. I really do know about the grace of God that is absolutely boundless in measure. I can't do anything to gain it. But grace does not negate God's demand for obedience. Obedience of heart, obedient life. I love the real benefit of obedience God shares with his people when he says "Obey them completely and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, 'How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!' For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today?" (verses 6-8). When will we grasp that our obedience to God is not just about us but also has impact on those around us watching to see what a transformed life, transformed church looks like?
God, I want to be in your game. I want to just do it. No questions. No rhetoric. No excuses. Just do it for the glory of God.
God gives similar counsel to his people. His "just do it" is expressed in one word used over and over again and which, because of this repetition, leaves no doubt as to the main thought being conveyed in Deuteronomy 4. He begins by saying in verse 2 "Just obey the commands of the Lord your God." Obedience. We all adhere to the message, the virtue and benefit of that one word but I wonder how often we opt to watch others pick up their gear and sweat it out while we root and "amen" from the sidelines. Obedience is not measured in wishful thinking, good intentions or abstraction. Obedience is just doing it - "it" being whatever God has told us to do. When did we start thinking that we could be Christ followers without following Christ? What would happen if instead of talking about loving God, I just loved Him? Or debating the need for prayer and just prayed? Or actually did everything to the glory of God instead of personal fulfillment? What if I loved' til it hurt, gave 'til I had no more, blessed those who didn't like or agree with me? God is pretty clear about the non-negotiable nature of obedience, so why do we so often make it an option?
Please don't get me wrong. I really do know about the grace of God that is absolutely boundless in measure. I can't do anything to gain it. But grace does not negate God's demand for obedience. Obedience of heart, obedient life. I love the real benefit of obedience God shares with his people when he says "Obey them completely and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations. When they hear all these decrees, they will exclaim, 'How wise and prudent are the people of this great nation!' For what great nation has a god as near to them as the Lord our God is near to us whenever we call on him? And what great nation has decrees and regulations as righteous and fair as this body of instructions that I am giving you today?" (verses 6-8). When will we grasp that our obedience to God is not just about us but also has impact on those around us watching to see what a transformed life, transformed church looks like?
God, I want to be in your game. I want to just do it. No questions. No rhetoric. No excuses. Just do it for the glory of God.
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