As a guy still in his 30’s, people are typically surprised at how familiar I am with the show Seinfeld. However, it is probably one of my favorite shows juuust behind The Office. Jerry Seinfeld has made a career out of making little observations and starting most of his bits with, “What’s the deal with…”
That resonates with a question I’ve been wrestling with lately: “What’s the deal with the difference between working hard/doing hard things and forcing something that isn’t there or in God’s plan for me?”
In a crazy turn of events, God spoke to me the past few weeks at church on this very topic and question. He sure has a knack for timing.
Lesson #1 came from my Sunday school class where we learned about Biblical waiting. In short, Biblical waiting is not a passive activity, but is demonstrated by active dependence upon and obedience to God. Thus, waiting upon God and his timing/plan is a spiritual discipline that we should seek to practice.
Lesson #2 came about 30 minutes later in a sermon titled “Courageously Being Who God Called You to Be”. The discussion was around Paul and the three people the Lord used to change his life: Stephen, Ananias, and Barnabas. Each man played an important role in changing the trajectory of a man that continues to have an impact in the world today. In short, Stephen laid the foundation for Paul’s transformation, Ananias did life with Paul and built the bridge, and Barnabas walked with Paul across the bridge to his new life in Christ through encouragement. Each man had a role and more importantly, knew and obeyed their role.
For me, God has designed me to be like Barnabas. I’m not meant to be ‘the guy’ but God has called me to encourage that person to help them help as many people as possible. The Lord is teaching me, again, what my role is, and no matter how hard I fight and struggle, that is my role … and it is where I find joy and peace.
Lesson #3 was this past weekend at Sunday school, and I think it sums up the answer to my question with one word: contentment. Much of our lesson centered around 1 Timothy 6:6-10.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Paul is insisting a rich spiritual life (godliness) combined with contentment is even more valuable – something money, social status, or even influence cannot supply and that self-sufficiency should be replaced with Christ-sufficiency.
There is nothing immoral about striving to improve your education, career, income, or physical health. The caution that I am learning (yet again) is not becoming consumed with the desire for more, as it will rival our desire for God.
Think and pray
Unfortunately, we all have created idols in our lives. An idol is anything other than Jesus that you must have to be okay. Examine your heart and make a list of your idols. Where are you forcing something that deep down you know God is either telling you ‘No’ or ‘wait’?
Lord, thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for being patient with me as I continue to learn what You would have for me. Thank You for creating me in a unique way with a unique purpose. I ask that You please continue to reveal that to me and give me the patience to not reach for other things other than You.
Tyler DuBose has served on staff with CBMC since 2019, supporting volunteer leaders in cities across the USA where CBMC is just getting started. His passion is relationship-building – connecting, challenging, and encouraging others to be who God has designed them to be.