II Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously

    Whenever a musician performs, they can, (if they are any good!) almost count on someone ‘complementing’ them by saying some version of, “You’re so talented!” I believe it’s borne of good intentions, but it doesn’t always land the same way it is offered. That’s be-cause, if the musician is any good, it wasn’t talent that caused the achievement as much as countless hours in a practice room. Hours spent there grinding away with their instrument when there were many other appealing options available. 

    I think we have a real desire to find the ‘talent’ in other areas of life. We may know of a doctor and consider their ‘keen mind.’ Or the prosperous businessman who has ‘a knack’ for sales. Or maybe the best-selling author who is an ‘overnight success.’ Or the devoted Christ-ian who is ‘very spiritual.’ All of these things have a common thread: the desire on our part to ascribe the success to anything except hours of toil and sacrifice. It’s understandable. If the musician who is clearly more advanced than I am is ‘talented’, it kind of excuses me from going back to the practice room! 

    You may have been surprised that I included the devoted Christian in that list. “Surely you can’t equate a relationship with God into that mundane list of ‘regular’ efforts!” Why not? Of course God is involved and without His involvement, there is no hope for any of us. But what about my involvement? Do I see others and their testimony, their walk with the Lord, and think, “Wow. They’re blessed!” Is it possible that I don’t take into account what goes on behind the scenes?

    If I want to know the Bible better, is there another way besides reading it more? If I want to be closer to God, is there another method besides spending more time in prayer? If I want to be a more committed follower of Him is there another way besides being absolutely committed to attending worship services and serving in my local church? Or am I coasting along, waiting for the day I become ‘spiritual’? It’s easy to like the idea of ‘being’ something. It’s the ‘becoming’ that is the challenge for all of us. My walk with the Lord is a reflection of my desire to be like Him. Whether I like it or not!

Blessings,    

Pastor Russ