Does anyone else have a problem when someone is talking with you and they say, “Sure, I’ll do that but only after you do ____________.”
That drives me crazy.
I feel like saying, “well, are you going to do it or not? Yes or no. It is rather quite simple. Just make up your mind.” But, I don’t.
We see this all the time. It seems to show up in every area of life. This mentality pops up in our relationships with one another, in the work place, in our neighborhoods, and in every other corner of life.
It may look like this:
- I’ll mow the lawn when you make dinner.
- I’ll play baseball with you when you clean your room.
- I’ll listen to you after you drop me off at the movies and let me spend the night at my friends house.
- I’ll tolerate you if you keep your dog off my lawn.
- I’ll be your friend only as long as the popular people approve of it.
What would you add to that list?
In Genesis 28, Jacob adds one more to the list. This one drives me crazy. It just irritates me. Check out what he says,
Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, and I return to my father’s house in safety, then the Lord will be my God.”
That seems to be a tall order! I want to be comfortable on my trip. I want my clothes to be provided, and I don’t want to experience any problems in travel. These three items are no small task. Think about the time in which Jacob lived. That would be no small thing. I’m in no way challenging the power of God, but why does Jacob feel it necessary to?
It seems to me that there are times when we put stipulations on God. We say, God only when you do this, that, or the other thing will I turn to you and acknowledge your plan for my life. In my opinion this is a dangerous way to live life. This is a dangerous way to set up your relationship with God, one based solely upon stipulations.
What do you think?
~Peter
1 Comment
So often there are expectations in relationships and we end up keeping a tally sheet with others. God is faithful (thankfully!!) whether we do our part or not and is the ultimate example of how to live. We shouldn’t keep a tally sheet with Him…nor should we with anyone else.