Let’s be honest… we are all kind of spoiled.
Now before you get all persnickety, let me explain. If you are reading this from a computer or an iPhone or some kind of technical device (yes, even if it is at work) you are sitting pretty good. If you are reading this from a place that has heat (or air conditioning, depending upon which hemisphere you reside in), you are pretty well off. And hey– I’m no exception– I’m writing this in my “comfy clothes” in my recliner, cuddling with our pup, heater running in a warm, dry house on my computer.
I think I’m doing alright.
However, we can (generally) be a pretty demanding people. Our nature, aka the fallen-ness of mankind, makes us naturally inclined to be sort of selfish. The culture that we live in via first world country can make us pretty demanding.
I don’t say all this to make us feel poopy or ungrateful. On the contrary, we should rejoice in all of these super cool blessings, experiences and gadgets in our lives.
But we also need to be very aware that sometimes when we don’t “have it all right when we want it…” We shall survive. In fact, it might be the best thing for us!
A couple of weeks ago, our pastor was addressing some leadership experiences in our church during staff meeting. Within the discussion, he mentioned that he saw a repair truck driving around town with the slogan on the side that said:
“Fast. Cheap. Quality. Pick Two.”
We all got a great laugh out of the thought, but it got me to thinking. (Dangerous, I know.) So many of us (myself included) think that everything should be fast, cheap and quality… But in all reality, thinking we are entitled to always having our cake and eating it too can make us ungrateful, impatient, and downright selfish.
Especially when it comes to our relationship with God.
Let’s think about it. If we want something fast and cheap, it probably won’t be quality. If we want something fast and quality, you can be it won’t be cheap. If we desire for something to be cheap and quality, well then– yep, you guessed it– it won’t be fast.
PICK TWO
Via James @ Flickr
The same thing applies when we are in a relationship with Christ. Now, don’t get me wrong– God CAN and COULD accomplish all three of these things at the same time for us per our requests– IF it is the best thing for us. But He also knows what we NEED. We can tell Him what we WANT with hope and confidence, but should rest assured that He will ultimately give us what is best for us.
Perhaps we want to fix a relationship with another person. We take it to the Lord, praying about it. Chances are that the process of healing and redemption isn’t going to be fast, cheap and quality… It could might cost us our pride, giving it up and apologizing to the other person. It could take a while and be a bit painful, but the end result is a stronger, high-quality relationship. Just an example…
Do we trust God’s plan to transform us from who we are right now to what He desires we become? In what areas of your life do you struggle with this concept the most? Which two traits you would you “pick” when it comes to being transformed? Why? Feel free to leave a comment below.
God reserves the right to transform us with any of these (and a variety of other) techniques. Let’s accept the challenge to not solely choose fast, cheap or quality… but rather, option D… Let’s choose (and accept and trust!) whatever God has for us. No matter how long it takes or how much it costs us. Because ultimately, whatever He creates in us, will eventually be the BEST QUALITY– a product of His love, grace and wisdom.
Trusting Him to Transform,
SGK
“God will create a new thing in this land: A transformed woman will embrace the transforming GOD!” ~Jeremiah 31:22 (MSG)
