Do It --- Even When We Don't Feel Like It!

Have we ever faced a chore that we really didn’t want to do such as mowing the lawn, washing clothes, cleaning the house, washing the car, or even preparing a Bible class lesson? An exhausting work week can make us feel like procrastinating.

When this happens, here’s a good statement to repeat: “I may not feel like it, but I’m going to do it anyway.“

There is something about recognizing our lack of inward motivation and then choosing to be responsible that helps us follow through.

The value that God places on faith and obedience can be seen in the parables of Jesus. Christ spoke about two sons who were asked to work in the vineyard. The first said no, but “afterward he regretted it and went” (Matthew 21:29). The second gave a positive response but did not follow through (Matthew 21:30).

Then the Lord asked His listeners, “Which of the two did the will of his father?” (Matthew 21:31). The obvious answer is the one who finished the task.

Our Lord’s illustration underscores a key spiritual principle: God is interested in our faith and obedience — not just good intentions. The next time we are tempted to shirk our duties by saying, “I don’t feel like it” — let’s ask God for the grace to do it anyway (2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 4:19; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:10; Ephesians 3:7-8).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets