How Many Times Do You Have To Be Told To Do Something?!

Check out the fella on the left of this threesome.  Handsome guy, isn’t he?  His name is Kevin and he is one of my fondest memories of my first year’s teaching experience.  I had started off this journey later in life, trying to fulfill my dream of being an educator, and to say it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done would be an understatement!  But this blog isn’t about that so read on.  I promise to keep it brief!

My class of Juniors was a lively bunch and I was often reprimanded by the principal as having one of the loudest classrooms on the hall.  There weren’t doors and the walls didn’t go all the way to the top so there was no way of keeping anything sacred, if you know what I mean.  One day, after trying so many ways to keep this group focused, I made the statement that I was only going to tell them one time to do something.  Kevin, in his disarmingly charming way, came up to me, laid his hand on my shoulder, and sincerely looked me in the eye.  Then he stated, “Ms. Hutcheson.”  Gleeful look in his eye, he continued.  “You know we have to be told at least twicet!”

Fast-forward with me to today’s early morning Bible reading in Acts 10.  Remember the disciple Peter?  Yeah, the one who denied Christ.  That Peter.  Well, once again we find him arguing with Jesus about something he was clearly told to do.  How clearly?  Three times!  Three!  Just as when he was questioned in John 21:15-22, Peter had to be told three times to do something.

So, in conclusion, I wonder:  how many times does it take for you to mind Christ?  One? Two? More? Are you trying to argue with Him about something(s), some point that He has already made clear to you?  Don’t be a Peter.  Or a Kevin.  Or a me.  Do it the first time.  You just might be surprised at the results!

Let’s pray!

Dear Lord, please forgive us when we question Your commands.  Oh sure:  we know we can talk to You about anything and it’s okay for us to have questions for You.  However, Lord, when we know--and let’s face it, God:  we usually know what it is You are telling us to do--but don’t want to obey, then please, Father, be gentle with us as You were with Peter.  Use us to further Your kingdom and help us to be more obedient about the tasks You ask us to complete.  

Thanks Lord!  We love You and appreciate Your guidance in our lives.  And should we not get it by the third time, again Father I pray, don’t lose patience with us.  But should You have to get the paddle out, have mercy I pray!  In the name of Christ Jesus, amen!