Friday, September 14, 2012

Stop Giving Direction and Do It Yourself

I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit -- just as it has taught you, remain in him.

-- 1 John 2:26-27

No matter what you do or how you do it, there is always someone standing on the sidelines waiting to tell you what you should do and how you should do it. It is one of my biggest frustrations, especially since none of those issuing directions are ever willing to step up and do whatever it is themselves.

Most of the time I just let all those comments fly right over my head. I do what I know God has called me to do and trust Him to deal with the rest. But every now and then I get beyond tired of it all. It seems that almost every area of my life has someone in it telling me exactly what to do.

So I’m about to make some folks really unhappy and probably a little mad. And they can deal with it because I’m done with living my life to satisfy other people. I’m accountable to God. I want to please Him. Period.

Years ago I used to attend baseball games at Dodger Stadium. Occasionally someone would sneak in a beach ball, blow it up, and it would bounce around the stands from one fan to another until a security guard could grab it. I’ve begun to feel like that beach ball, battered and bruised by too many people pulling me in too many different directions.

I know. It’s all good. Everything people want from me is good. For them. For other people. And it appears that I’m doing God’s work and carrying His message to a needy and hurting world. But I’m not the only one called. I’m simply the one who stepped up. Now it’s somebody else’s turn.

Service to God should never, ever feel like a burden. But when you’re doing your part and somebody else’s part then that’s exactly what it becomes. And sometimes you simply have to say “no” and draw that line. Otherwise some people will never do their part.

God didn’t intend for only a few people to do all the work. His intention was and is that the body of Christ, the church, you and me, would draw together to accomplish great things for His Glory. So you don’t get a pass when it comes to service.

I know. You’re busy. Well, news flash, so am I. Too busy, with too many needs and too little time. And I resent your words of direction and, even more, I resent that you freely take and take and take without giving back. At this point, it’s not about me but about what you’re NOT doing for the Lord.

So stop telling me what and how I should do what I do. My direction comes from God. Instead, spend all that time you’ve directed at me on yourself and ask God what He wants YOU to do.