Last week I talked about choosing the internal “musts” over the external “shoulds” that vie for our time and treasure, but is that always a viable choice?
Philosopher Immanuel Kant’s asserted: “ought implies can,” meaning that if someone – God, society, etc. – places a moral imperative on us, it makes no sense unless we are actually capable of doing what is asked.
On a purely logical level, Kant makes a lot of sense. How can you ask me to behave justly, or compassionately if I lack the moral muscle to perform these deeds, or if some external power (government, law) prohibits me?
Christians understand this dilemma in a different light. When God calls us to do something the implication isn’t an optimistic – “Of course you can do it!” It’s more common for us to realize that what God asks of us is plainly impossible but for our faith that the Lord will equip as we have need to accomplish what God asks. Paul reminds us: “Forget about self-confidence; … Cultivate God-confidence … God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13 The Message).
Still, when we pursue a “must” – something God is asking, it can feel like the divine assistance is lacking. That’s when we have to remember that God is the opposite of a micromanager. The Lord often waits to help, wanting us to exhaust our own efforts first. This way we grow stronger as a person at the same time we grow in God-confidence. The Lord is efficient like that!
The Almighty is so different from what we normally associate with power. Yes, God wants our obedience, but not the way a dictator demands it. Instead the Lord desires our collaboration – giving us the opportunity to appreciate fully both the heartache and satisfaction of doing holy work.
It’s true – when we submit to pursuing the “musts” that God presses on our heart, we will be in for some heavy lifting. But what begin like burdens end up being bricks that build our character and fortify our faith in the One who never abandons us.
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