We are not rowing in our boats, alone. In fact, there are more people who will fit into our boats than we often allow. Believe it or not, the boats are easier to row with another person in it with us.
Several years ago, Terry took me to one of the springs in Florida. He rented a canoe for the two of us to go exploring. Was this romantic? Absolutely. Was this practical? Not for a girl who grew up in Tennessee, not on the water.
First of all, I want to point out that I consider myself to be pretty athletic. I run, I lift weights, I do yoga, dancing, you name it. Knowing how to gracefully paddle on the water? Yeah, that’s not exactly in my wheelhouse.
Once Terry realized the way I was paddling was working against his efforts, he said, “Sweetheart, why don’t you just let me paddle, and you enjoy the scenery?” In other words, “You’re making me work twice as hard, and I can do this better myself.” But he said it, so much sweeter and did not say he could do it better by himself.
There are so many ways for us to say difficult things if we just think about them, first. This is usually where I struggle. The thinking about them first, part. But I am trying, I really am. I want to be a better person and I want to reflect Jesus, not myself. I want to reflect Jesus at all times, not just when it is convenient.
This is why I am so excited to share with you the new book I am writing, The Convenient Christian.
I think sometimes we look at our life as Believers and think on Sundays, “Yes! The Holy Spirit is living in me, and I will praise my Heavenly Father for all times!” But then Tuesday rolls around, and we are dealing with the ugliness of politics, and we seem to forget being filled with the Spirit.
“You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.” - Romans 8:9 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit dwells within us … so let’s not keep Him locked up in a closet, like a crazy aunt we do not want anyone to know about, but rather let’s bring Him out to lead us, and be controlled by the Spirit, not the sinful nature of this world. It is not always convenient to do what is right, but it is always right to do what is right. The convenient Christian forgets this. I do not want to be the convenient Christian.
I want to be the Christian who serves her Savior, 24/7, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
It is so much easier to let the Holy Spirit guide us, because we give up control. I don’t know about you, but I need all the help I can get doing what is right over what is convenient.