Kyle Idleman concludes Chapter 10 of AHA by contrasting passivity versus immediate action.
Passivity:
1. looks for shortcuts, for cheats, for a way around.
2. looks for the path of least resistance- the wide path.
3. says, “Everything will work itself out.”
4. says, “What is the least I can get away with?”
Immediate action:
1. moves directly.
2. looks for the path of righteousness- the narrow path.
3. says, “This is going to take some work.”
4. says, “What needs to be done?”
Pastor Idleman suspects that some people might be reading AHA and agreeing (at least in thought) that they need to change, but just don’t feel like doing anything about it. The truth: we need to obey God even when we don’t feel like it. However, if we obey God without being motivated to obey Him, eventually our feelings will catch up with our actions.
Our actions, however artificial they may be at first, must reflect our desire to obey God. And we may find, as we act in obedience to God, that those actions start to become authentic. The key, Pastor Idleman emphasizes, is for us to identify the first step in our action plan- and act on it now. With passivity versus immediate action, the only viable choice is immediate action.
Today’s question: What first step do you need to take in order to leave the Distant Country? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Hurry up and wait”
