I am not a morning person. I used to be a night owl. But age, kids, and work schedules have changed that for me. Now, you might say I’m strictly an afternoon person.
So when my friend Diane suggested a “ladies bike ride” at 7 am on a Saturday morning – at the shore – an hour away, I was secretly ambivalent. The fellowship sounded awesome, but the early morning hour, well let’s just say, I’m not a morning person. Despite my reservations, I agreed to go. And because I had a bike rack, I was committed.
The night before the ride, I had terrible trouble sleeping. When I finally fell asleep at 4 am, I dreamt that one of the girls cancelled the bike ride. Waves of relief flooded my subconscious REM sleep. When the alarm went off in the predawn darkness, my disappointment was palpable. You mean it was only a dream??? With great reluctance, I lethargically rose, got ready, and headed out. If it wasn’t for that darn bike rack commitment, I think I would have backed out. Have I mentioned that I am just not a morning person? Oy!
Six of us met at the rendezvous point, loaded up our bikes, and headed down the highway. Little by little, my morning brain fog began to dissolve.
We set out on our bikes heading north. A spectacularly glorious day. With the ocean to our right, the bay to our left, the refreshing wind in our faces, and nonstop laughter abounding.
And I thought – I might have missed it all.
It’s not just the morning hour. I almost let my feelings dictate my actions. It sure wouldn’t have been the first time that happened. So often, I don’t feel like reading the Word OR making that phone call OR going to the homeless ministry OR preparing a Bible lesson OR writing that encouraging card OR going on that health walk OR a host of other things that turn out to be amazing blessings when I do follow through.
And yet I justify my actions – or lack thereof –
– But I’m just not a morning person.
– But I’m just not organized.
– But my temperament is _______ (fill in the blank.)
– But I don’t have time.
– But I’m afraid.
I recently saw this on facebook:
“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.” Martin Luther
I’ll add to that – you and I are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we do not do.
Paul struggled with this issue – “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, the the evil I do not want to do -this I keep on doing.” Rom 7:19-20
Thankfully he went on to say “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Rom. 8:1 Oh joy!
But I want more than to be free from God’s condemnation. I want to be obedient. I want to be centered in His will. I want to invest my “talent“, not bury it. (Matt. 25:14-30) I want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I want to experience the rewards of obedience, sensing His peace and His pleasure in my actions.
If Jesus could endure the cross for the joy that awaited Him (Heb. 12:2), can’t I even roll out of bed for the joy that awaits me?
Though it may be cliche now, it’s still true. Nike’s slogan “Just Do It!” is echoed in the letter to the Hebrews (Message version):
“… we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running – and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God – he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” Heb 12:1-3 MSG
One act of obedience paves the way for the next. Each time we obey, we make it easier for the next time. So friends, can we all “Just Do It!”
