It is said that Charles Kettering did not like to crank his car to make it start, so he invented the electric starter. Henry Ford invented the assembly-line technique, and made it possible to mass-produce automobiles. Because he didn't like having to dip his pen into the inkwell, Lewis Waterman invented a way to put the ink inside the pen. George Westinghouse devised a way to stop a train, and because Elisha Otis invented the elevator, he indirectly made it possible to build taller buildings.
Come to think of it, we could point to almost any invention and realize that the computer, the CD, steel-belted radials, cell phones--even such things as the hog dog bun, insulin, and enteric-coated medication -- are the direct result of someone deciding there must be a better way.
But notice something very important: they did more than just complain. They went to work to make the situation better.
The same thing holds true in our Christian lives. We must take an honest look at the way things are between us and the Lord, then be willing to take appropriate steps to do something about what we find. We begin by becoming dissatisfied with the way things are--so dissatisfied that we are actually willing to do something about it.
Those of us who yearn for a closer walk with Christ probably already know what needs to be done. We already realize that things could be better than they are. But merely complaining about it won’t do any good at all. Wishing won’t help. Being envious of others who are more committed certainly won’t do it!
Wish you knew more about the Bible? Then sacrifice the time required to read and study it. Want to be closer to Jesus? Then spend time with Him. Have a desire to see more prayers answered? You must become dissatisfied with your prayer life enough to do something about it.
What changes do you need to make today to get closer to Christ? Are there things you need to eliminate from your life? Are there habits you should cultivate?
Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
–Rocky Henriques, www.uticabc.com