“Wouldings”
May 1, 2009

“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?