A Willy-Nilly Faith

Merriam-Webster.com definition of ‘willy-nilly’:  in a careless and unplanned way, in a way that does not allow any choices or planning, by compulsion:  without choice, in a haphazard or spontaneous manner; Origin of WILLY-NILLY: Old English alteration of “will I nill I or will ye nill ye or will he nill he” First Known Use: 1608; Additional:  whether one likes it or not; Synonyms: haphazardly, at random, randomly, every which way, here and there, all over the place, in no apparent order, without direction or planning; haphazardly. ” early 17th century: ‘I am willing, I am unwilling~

     Daily I struggle with my interactions and perceptions that I can only describe as a        “willy-nilly”. I feel I am not consistent in my spiritual walk and tend to “wander LORD I fear it”. I fall woefully short of the faith demonstrated in the Bible. I know that no one is perfect, I only desire to have the heart of Christ toward others; especially my fellow Christians and friends. I love to think on the best GOD has shown me. You know like in Philippians 4. Yet when I am caught between the prevailing perspectives of others and a hard place, my stand is usually not when it should be. I become irritated, judgmental and horribly critical, wishing I could cut the top of the other person’s head off and pour the Bible in! Of course I’d put the top back on, after.

My problem, the Bible has very basic teachings about how the people of GOD should live.  Yet increasingly the common trend is to stand on the idea that it is better to do GOD’s work however I want, mixing in modern philosophies and casting off any thing that is not popular among middle-aged adults. You know, the parts of the Bible I don’t like. The WORD of GOD is real, true and active- applicable in all situations. It seems that we all try really hard to avoid it, claiming a need to be free of archaic doctrines. Lofty? Humble? Hmmm? Maybe this is what Jesus meant when He said in Matthew 15: 6-9. Funny thing though, contemporary Christianity tends to reflect upon any decent, Biblical or business-like structure as hypocrisy and tradition. SO we gain no ground because we have lost respect for, hope in and obedience to the LORD, GOD Almighty.

My prayer, LORD I need You! I am not able to serve where hope is only contingent upon human approval. I need You Jesus to do a work in me that will successfully change my heart that I can love like You do at all times. I want to loving react when people, Christians, fail to humble themselves to Your ways, persistently interjecting what they like and believe is the best flavor of the day. You are so much more than we can imagine and we only limit our blessings as we pursue our own self-aggrandizement and delight. You came that this world might be saved. Please bring us to Your ancient paths so we can be haltered to Your hand and then fully capable to do Your will. Intercede, please Sir Jesus and set my path, our paths straight, duly focused on YOUR Truth that our lives might be effectively Yours, alone.

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”                                                                                                                          2 Timothy 4:2-4