That One Thing

I'm amazed at how eagerly we seek to do our good deeds . . . except regarding that one thing.  This is what I've been struggling with this week and the reason I'm slow at writing a post for this blog.  And now I've created a dilemma for myself.  I am scheduled to teach a lesson to high school girls this Friday of which I've only started writing in earnest today. 

When we avoid obedience to that one thing, we get into all sorts of trouble.  I love this quote from Disney's Beauty and the Beast, "Life is so unnerving for the servant who's not serving."  I think that could describe me lately.  Oh, believe me, I've been serving, even expending myself to great degrees, more than I thought I could.  But I haven't been doing that one thing.  And in the meantime I've had to reap consequences for the trouble I created.

I'm reminded of the rich young ruler who approached Jesus with his list of very good deeds.  This ruler was virtually flawless . . . except for that one thing which Jesus asked of him, to sell all his possessions and give the money to the poor.  That he would not do.  (Mark 10:17-21)

I do not think this little story has anything to do with wealth, poverty, or distribution.  Rather it is about surrender.  We strive to obey God in most areas . . . except in that one thing we love.  Obedience in that regard would be too costly.  It could be choosing humility or accepting mistreatment without retaliation.  Maybe it is letting our children be who they are instead of living vicariously through them.  Maybe it is respect for a husband or love for a wife.  What is your one thing? 

We will give to the poor, or attend church regularly, even teaching a class or helping in the nursery.  We will spend time in the Word each day and cook dinner for a family in need.  But when it comes to that one thing, we will not surrender. 

My one thing has been my writing.  I've procrastinated with all sorts of other good things, but have avoided the writing like a plague.  Oh, I pray about it, but I'm fairly certain I need to simply act.  Prayer is crucial, but there comes a point where we need to get up and do it.  You've probably heard the saying, "It's hard to move a parked car."  True that. 

Yet, God is so merciful.  As I've struggled to get thoughts down on paper this week, He has given me a breakthrough and finally the words flow.  But not before I sat down and actually took the effort to begin writing. 

Sometimes our one thing seems insurmountable, but I'm encouraged that with God all things are possible.  (Mark 10:27)  However, knowing that does not mean I sit here and twiddle my thumbs.   There is a part I need to play.  I must demonstrate surrender through action.  So what do you say?  Will you tackle your one thing with me this week?