Doin' Too Much

I was listening to a podcast when my husband walked in. You sound like you're having church in here! I had gotten a little animated as I listened to a discussion about "Christian" music artists collaborating with "secular" artists. You know they can't hear you? was his next comment (a purely rhetorical question). I do know that, of course, but there are some things that just chap my hide. My husband playfully endures those moments of my intensity. 

Now, I'll be the first to admit I'm passionate about some things. When I set out to do something, there's little that will stop me. When there's something I want to do, I'm focused. And when it comes to living the life of a Christian, I've had people tell me I'm "doin' too much." Maybe not in so many words. But I've gotten the You-really-take-this-stuff-seriously-don't-you? look. I've been talked down to and shown the door by progressive "Christians." I've had people press me for socially acceptable answers after I've already told them Jesus is my Protector, Provider, Sustainer, and Teacher. And I've gotten propped up on a pedestal or two. But watering down the Gospel or living half-heartedly for Jesus is just not something I want to do. If you've got a minute, I'd love to share some of my reasons with you.

First of all, life with the God of the Bible is a covenant; a life in which I promise to live for Him because He died for me. I promise to give Him all the glory and honor He deserves because I was made to do that, and I am most myself when He is most adored by me. I promise to faithfully obey and serve the One who is infinitely faithful to me. I promise to give Him all He has given me, for rendering all to Him leaves me empty and prepared to receive more. This God, my God gave, gives, and promises to give me all of Himself, and I can only hope to imitate His devotion. I take my commitments seriously.

Secondly, where does one draw the line? At what point does one say, "Yes, I have loved You quite enough for now. I'll be taking a break and keeping this paycheck, this day, this opportunity, this thing for myself." Is there any possibility of outgiving God and pausing to allow Him a moment to "catch up"? Do we not know He owns the cattle on a thousand hills? All we have has come by His hand to ours; His grace is how it came to be there. The only line I honor is the one to the altar.

Third, I'm unwilling to miss the blessing of being fully given over to Him. If I am my best self when I am praising and serving the God who made me, why would I hold anything back? If I am closest to Him, most like Him when I am fully obedient, why would I choose to follow the ways of the world? The more I give, the more like Him I shall be! Why would I want to miss out on that?

And fourth, brownies. Yes, brownies. Years ago, I heard of a wonderful object lesson for youth: serve brownies but tell the teens some dog poop was accidentally found its way into the batter. Would they still eat them? The point of the lesson was, a little or a lot, poop is poop and no one wants it baked throughout their brownies. Sin, a little or a lot, should be just as repulsive when it comes to our lives. How did it get there? Maybe, little by little. Regardless, it corrupts our entire existence. When I say I won't use "awesome" for anyone but God, and I won't take His name in vain, it's not some rule God makes me follow...or else! It's because words have power, and some I reserve just for Him. When I say I won't cheat on my taxes or tell a "little white lie," it's not because I think I'm better than those who do; it's because I want to be holy as my Heavenly Father is holy. When I say I won't wear a certain dress or listen to a certain type of music or watch a certain show, it's not about being a prude; it's because letting down the guard over my heart, even for a moment, can cause old behaviors to become more acceptable to me again. When I refuse to go to self-checkout in order to avoid the temptation to steal, it's not because the Gospel is weak; it's because I am. Sin has no place in the life of God's child; we are called to purity for our own sake and God's glory. 

Perhaps I am too intense for some folks. Perhaps I am over-zealous. Perhaps those who settle for less and do less can be just as happy in their lives as I am in mine. But I'm looking to thrive, to flourish, and I'd rather be doin' too much than wishin' I'd done more.