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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Willingness (02/21/05)
"Honey, On Thursday will you give me a ride to my doctor's office."

"Sure, mother, "I'll take you anywhere you want to go." Ann immediately responded.

On Thursday morning, Ann remembered her agreement to take her mother to her doctor's office. "Why do I always agree to take her somewhere?" she mumbled. Ann didn't want to give her mother a ride. Ann agreed to something she did not want to do. She agreed because she felt obligated. She pretended her willingness while she actually did not want to go with her mother

Like, Ann sometimes we sometimes make commitments without careful reflection. Sometimes we pretend to be willing because of our desire to perform "expected" behavior. It's only afterwards when we are asked to fulfill those commitments that we begin to inwardly complain.

Why not be like the brother in the Bible who answered no when asked to do something. Later he changed his mind and honored his father's wishes. The other brother readily responded yes but failed to complete his commitment. One brother pretended to be willing. Another brother responded no when asked. Jesus asked why brother performed his father's will. The brother who completed the father's request and not the one who agreed but did not honor his commitment honored the father's request.

During his ministry on earth , Jesus emphasized we should consider the consequences before rushing into war. The same goes with our readiness to make commitments. It is not enough to make a commitment to demonstrate our willingness.


Sometimes we rashly make commitments regarding church activities, etc. without careful consideration. Individuals make commitments to work as missionaries. Their commitments are sincere. They are willing to serve. Problems often arise when they are asked to serve in unexpected regions. Some will eagerly. Others will grudgingly go while others will find excuses not to go.

Let's stop and reflect before making commitments to do God's work. He would rather have us decline than to perform grudgingly because of our desire to please him. God does not reject us when we hesitate before making a commitment to his service. The final issue is did we complete our commitment rather than did we actually make a commitment.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
donna robinson
03/01/05
I think you hit the heart of the problem of "wanting to be willing" and actually having a willing heart. We have to be honest with ourselves, making sure we have the time for the commitment. Sometimes we hurt people because we want to be willing to stand beside them in times of trouble, but the truth is, we didn't have the time or the desire to go the long way with them. that hurt and disaapointment can do more harm than just being honest. Well, as you can tell, your point touched me deeply.