3:41 – You Don’t HAVE To Do It

#faithbites #faithjourney have

When I tell my eldest that I have to go to a meeting, a conference, or class. She often asks me “Do You HAVE To?”,meaning making a choice to do something versus being required to do it. I try to explain the different levels of having to do something and that by not doing things there are consequences. At the same time, we often think we are doing things because we have to when we either want to do it or feel obligated when we aren’t.

I was scrolling through Facebook today and noticed a few posts that I felt I had to reply to in order to set it straight. They were either false information or bigoted opinions. Then I realized, I wasn’t required to reply and could just let it go. So I did.

Understanding that there are many things outside of our control as well as things we just don’t have to do, is a major part of any #faithjourney. We have to let some things go and others, just aren’t our responsibility

Scripture

• For each one will bear his own load. – Galatians 6:5
• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5

Reflection

We all have enough responsibilities without taking on someone else’s load. That’s not saying we can’t help as that is part of being a good Christian. But many things that we think will help us, won’t. We need to lean on the Lord for his guidance on where we need to spend our energies rather than where we think we need to.

Of course there are things we want to do (play, vacation, go out, etc) and things we don’t want to do but need to do (work, laundry, cleanings pay bills), but then there are those things we don’t need to do but thing we do such as endless debates with people or additional jobs or duties just to do them for personal gratification.

We need to look at all thing we do and ask if we want to do it or have to do it. If we have to do it, is it blessed by God. Let’s be clear on what we have to do vs what we thing we have to do. Lean on the Lord for his understanding.

Prayer

Lord, there are some many things taking up our time. From distractions to jobs to random tasks, we think we have to do them or we will be lost and behind. Help us be clear on what you need us to do. Give us your vision to cut through the clutter and let us always follow up. When we do say no to something, remind us that it is ok and we are clearing space for a deeper relationship with you. In your name, Amen.