Sometimes God calls us to take steps we’d rather not. Sometime He moves our stiff legs to bend in the exact way He desires, and we would otherwise despise.

The bending hurts. The new foot placement is uncomfortable. The straining position between where He wants me to go and where I want to be causes an anxiousness that at moments is overwhelming.

Last week I was with Molly in a store we visit often. I saw a piece of merchandise that was out of place in the middle of the isle that was continually getting in everyone’s way. No one moved it, they just all walked around it.

As Molly and I walked down the isle, I let go of her hand and she walked ahead. I then grabbed the item and found it’s rightful place in the store and then scurried to catch up with Molly. She turned and asked curiously, “What are you doing?”

I simply, and some-what jokingly, replied with the verse, “He who know the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it sins, James 4:17.” She chuckled and with a big grin she said, “You are such a pastor.”

Though it caused a good little laugh for us, it did make me think about how many times we don’t do something – because it is an inconvenience or “not our problem.” This is wrong, and our God is not fond of excuses.

Christ did not prefer to take the “cup” of God’s wrath by death on the cross, but willingly did it anyway. You and I may not always prefer to act out the will of God, but we must strive to do it no matter the personal cost.

Take James 4:17 seriously; if you know you are to do something that is right but then avoid it for apathy or comfort you are in sin. I will pray for you in this, and please do the same for me!