INCONVENIENCE

I Was Just Thinking About – INCONVENIENCE.

We’ve all heard the phrase used in societal maters that “Somebody ought to do something about that.” I live in an area where one intersection had a series of accidents with injury and death. The knee-jerk response was that “somebody” ought to do something to alleviate the danger at that intersection. It caused me to think of the old story that went something like this: “There were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.”

That brings us back to the local crossroad discussion. Even though the primary Highway is four-lanes, there was some community opinion that what was needed was a traffic light at that crossroad. Others thought that a Caution Light and Warning Sign would suffice, and some offered the opinion that a four-way stop sign would be sufficient. The State conducted a study and determined what was needed was to change the dynamic of that intersection and prevent cross-traffic altogether. They did this by creating J-Turns. As a result, few people were pleased with this decision and result because of the inconvenience it would cause for residents getting into town. Some business owners suggested it would lower their customer traffic. An old comedian used to begin his act by asking: “Is everybody happy?” If that question about the intersection decision, the answer would be a resounding “NO”!

As a society, no one likes to be inconvenienced. It reminds me of a Biblical event where a great banquet had been arranged and guests were invited to attend. In Luke 14:16-24, Jesus was speaking and said: “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited: Come, for everything is now ready. But one after another, they all began to make excuses.” These excuses are defined as one having other plans, purposes and priorities. Attendance at the Banquet would be inconvenient for them. It echoes the above story where everybody thought somebody else could attend because anybody would be happy to do so. However, nobody responded affirmatively.

Think about your life’s priorities and whether or not they square with the Lord’s values. When He requires all, we are willing to give Him some. When He demands commitment, we give Him tokenism. When He calls us to go and do for Him, we suggest somebody else to Him. What excuses do you use? Why do you think they should be accepted by The Master and Savior?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.