Pastor's Ponderings, November 28, 2016

There Is No Try, We Will Serve God

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” This iconic quote by the character named Yoda from the 1980 movie, The Empire Strikes Back means that one should make a complete commitment to one’s endeavors win or lose.  Vince Lombardi, the great football coach, said, “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” How many times have we started something, but got distracted, bored, or just tired of an activity and quit? We may have disappointed others or even ourselves, but we decided that we should not have even bothered. If someone else was upset because of our lack of commitment, we considered it their problem.

In the book of Luke, when Jesus asked for people to follow Him, He received excuses for why they could not make a commitment.  He concluded that no one who puts his or her hand to the plow and looks back is worthy of His kingdom (Luke 9:62).  God is looking for someone who is committed to looking to Him and not swerving away from God’s commands (Psalm 119:10).  He is looking for those who are steadfast in Him and rejecting all evil ways (Proverbs 4:26-27).

While many are refusing to commit to anything, let us make the decision that we will follow Christ in spite of the temptations of the world to choose our own pathway. God will give us all the strength, the direction, and the purpose that we need.  There is no try or wavering with Christ. We can do everything that we need to do through Christ who gives us the strength (Philippians 4:13). 

Luke 9:62
New International Version (NIV)

62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Psalm 119:10
New International Version (NIV)

10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands

Proverbs 4:26-27
New International Version (NIV)

26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

Philippians 4:13
New International Version (NIV)

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.