Work while you have the Light

For April 16, Oswald Chambers writes beautifully about living the Christian life in the absence of "high" feelings. He draws from Jesus' words in John 12:35ff,

"You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you... Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light."

When we are "on the mountaintop" it feels right to serve God. But when we are tired, down, weary, sick, uninspired, etc., oh how hard it can be! "Don't cave in because you have been baffled once, get at it again. Burn your bridges behind you, and stand committed to God by your own act."

The trouble, as OC sees it, is laziness. He says, "If ... God has shown you something to do, don't say---'I'll do it'. Do it!" We are prone to pronouncements of grandeur. How useless they are! Even our "prayer topics" are often nothing more than wishes and dreams. God wants us to ACT on these prayer topics, not in our own strength, but in His mighty power. He wants us to WIN the victory as well as claim it. Jesus didn't merely say, "Your will be done", he surrendered both the God AND to men. This is the life he calls me to: "Deny your self, take up your cross and follow me."

But I am among the best at making grandiose proclamations, and among the laziest at taking up the cross. Going to the campus, feeding sheep, praying more, studying God's word more, loving my family more sacrificially, working harder at my job, writing books and songs, running more regularly, working out, doing more housework, walking the dog, tending the garden, being more independent and trifty---all these are things I talk about, but neglect or abandon so quickly. For good reason Jesus told the parable of the one who started to build but couldn't finish, a parable which fits me so well.

The point OC makes is, when we are inspired or "high", we must strike while the iron is hot, or "work while we have the light." The farmer doesn't sleep late. When the sun goes up, he gets to work because there are only so many hours of daylight. The office worker can turn on the lights and work all night. This, too, isn't good. Work while it is day seems to be normal for humans. I must learn this simple life, trusting simply in my Lord, who knows best, and working while it is light.

Lord, you delight in using the weak and poor in spirit. Thank you that this includes me. Forgive my laziness and "all talk". Pour out your Spirit on me to do small things faithfully, and great things as you lead and inspire them. IJNA