Because I Don’t Want To — What??

I’m thankful to God for 1. Instilling within me a desire to do right and, 2. Giving me the parents I had who reinforced that character trait.

“I don’t want to” was never an option for getting out of doing the right thing. It just never was. So I am taken aback when I hear of people opting out of a responsibility or decision or action based solely on “I don’t want to.”

What??? I don’t get it.

What died or went wrong inside a person who backs out of commitments because of a selfish desire to not get the heck out of their cocoon of comfort? Whether it’s doing the dishes, or getting in the car to be with a friend in need, or attending a function, or giving a hug; if it’s the right thing to do, my feelings about a matter are moot. After God quickened my spirit and took up residence within me, I have the impetus and direction to move at His will and pleasure. Sure, my flesh often intrudes:

• He does NOT deserve a hug right now.
• I’m too tired to go do that.
• I’m mad, and I’ll have to wait until I feel like it, or it won’t be worth it.
• I don’t like that person, anyway.
• I’m busy with this, and it irritates me to stop what I want to do and go minister to someone else.
• I don’t have time.

So what? It’s not about me. IT’S NOT ABOUT ME. It’s about loving others, about obeying God, about blessings and not sinning.

James 2.16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

James 4.17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

We may think that we’re serving ourselves by keeping to only what we want to do; but that’s not how God designed us. He designed us to serve one another, to receive our greatest joys and peace by doing good unto others.

If we do not act in accordance with God’s design for us, we spiral down into selfishness, ungratefulness, and stinky attitudes.

And even though that’s inviting, we don’t want that. Really.

Step into the light. That means putting off the flesh, and putting on Christ. Be Jesus to those who need you. God will let you know which ones, and He will bless you. HE WILL BLESS YOU.