"Wouldings"

“The kind of religion that God requires, and will accept, does not consist in weak, dull, and lifeless ‘wouldings’ – those weak inclinations that lack convictions – that raise us but a little above indifference. God, in his word, greatly insists that we be in good earnest, fervent in spirit, and that our hearts be engaged vigorously in our religion: ‘Be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’ (Romans 12:11, modified KJV).” – Jonathan Edwards

There’s a world of difference between the word “would” and the word “will.” Consider the following sets of statements:

“I would have given to that needy family, but …”

“I would like to have a regular quiet time, but …”

“I would have spoken up, but …”

vs.

“I will give freely out of what God has given me.”

“I will make the time for prayer, study, and meditation.”

“I will speak out for truth, even when it hurts.”

Interesting, isn’t it, that our “weak, dull, and lifeless ‘wouldings’” are almost always followed by the word “but”? It’s a little word, yet it carries a huge impact, sucking up our time, our energy, our desires, our ambitions, and our calling.

“I will,” on the other hand, leaves no room for “but.” It’s a thunderclap of commitment over a sea of good intentions, it slams the door against all interlopers that would weigh us down or suck us dry, it raises itself as a battle standard above the chaos of life.

Now, ask yourself: not “What would you do for God?” but “What will you do?”

* Where could God convict you of “wouldings” in your Christian walk?

* What will you do about it?