A call to action, to do our Master's will, but it begins with waiting (Luke 12:47)

SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:47 (TM)

"The servant who knows what his master wants and ignores it, or insolently does whatever he pleases, will be thoroughly thrashed.”

STORY:

Fred Craddock tells this story: Burghardt DuBois, the great black educator, sociologist, and historian, upon completion of studies at Fisk, Harvard and the University of Berlin, was convinced that change in the condition of the American black could be effected by careful scientific investigations into the truth about the black in America. So he proceeded. His research was flawless and his graphs and charts impeccable. After waiting several years and hearing not the slightest stir of reform, Dr. DuBois had to accept the truth about Truth: Its being available does not mean it will be appropriated.

OBSERVATION:

Knowledge is one thing, following through on that knowledge is entirely another matter. We already know more about fulfilling the Master’s desires than we are doing. We choose to rationalize our way into our lifestyle choices or we seek to explain why our situation is different thus permitting ourselves to do something other than that which the Lord would have us do.

Knowledge does not lead to action. We choose to ignore the truth and say, “Well it really doesn’t apply to our situation… because of extenuating circumstances.” And yet, we know what the master wants and desires. We simply choose to ignore it. Could this be labeled: “Pick and Choose Syndrome”?

Once we turn our life over to Christ it is no longer ours. We become servants of the most high God. We are to live the life He has chosen for us. We do not have a say in the matter. We are either fully His servants or we are not. There is no halfway in this matter – the right foot cannot be in and the left foot out. We cannot live in both worlds. We suppress our desires and wishes in order to fulfill the higher calling of the King.

Is it easy? No. Can it be done? Yes, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Where do we begin? By surrendering to God totally and completely.

I particularly like to follow a process in decision making – after all I am a Methodist – the process is simple: 1) Pray about the situation; 2) Search scripture to find out what the Bible has to say about the situation; 3) Find out what the historical position of the Church is in this matter; 4) Seek the wise counsel of a trusted spiritual leader and teacher; 5) WAIT until all four of these principles come into agreement; 6) WAIT; 7) WAIT. 8) Never trust the counsel of your own heart! Then, and only then step out in faith to act. Patience is the key. Spiritual patience is difficult. Notice that there are three points where WAIT is the operative ingredient. We hate waiting, especially if we are male – we are take charge kind of people. But scripture tells us in Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

PRAYER:

Lord help us to wait on you and then help us to act when it becomes obvious as to what you wish for us to do. We hate to wait, so calm our spirit and grant unto us patience.