There are times that we walk God’s path, look around us, and ask, “Why should I?”
We see the other things people are doing around us. They seem to be enjoying life, even though they aren’t walking God’s path. Things seem to be going well for them, even though they don’t follow God’s instructions. They don’t seem to be struggling, even though they reject God’s rules. We see this and say, “Why should I?”
Often, we ask the question and give ourselves an immediate answer: “I don’t need to.” Instead of following God’s way, we follow our own way. We do what feels good for us at that moment. We fulfill our desires, even our sinful desires, instead of doing what would delight the Lord.
We see classmates who drink underage, seem to have fun and experience no consequences. We see friends and family engage in sex outside of marriage who seem to be incredibly happy and fulfilled. We see celebrities and influencers use less-than-honest methods to gain their fame and wealth. We then look at ourselves and think, “Why should I keep following God’s path when they are not, and everything seems to be going great for them?”
This temptation is easier to fall into but there are two problems with this. First, this line of thinking is all based on assumptions. We see people who don’t follow God’s way and seem to have everything together. They seem to be happy. They seem to not be facing struggles or hardships. But all people live in a sinful world. No one is exempt from the consequences of sin and brokenness.
Second, and most importantly, we have been forgiven and claimed as God’s own in our Baptism. Jesus has set us free from sin and death. Jesus did not set us free to simply do whatever we want. Paul writes in Galatians 51a, 7:13-14,
For freedom Christ has set us free… You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?… You were called to freedom, brothers. Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Paul reminds the people in his time – a reminder we need too – that Jesus did not set us free from sin, death, and the devil for us to go our own way. As ones who are set free by Christ, we are tasked with walking His paths because the Holy Spirit empowers us. His paths include serving God by serving others around us.
When we face difficulties, hardship, and adversity – When we struggle to walk the way God has paved for us – we’re invited to sit and be reminded that Jesus has set us free. That He has died for us and provided all things for us. And once we’re rested, we’re called to walk His paths again.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for setting me free. Forgive me for not walking in Your ways. Help me turn to You when I face adversity. Remind me that I only endure by sitting and trusting in Your promise to fight and provide for me. Give me the strength to walk in Your paths, serving You and serving others, showing all people Your generous love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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