Put Up or Shut Up

I mean well. Doesn't that count for something?

I make big goals and bold statements to God. I tell Him I'll do whatever He asks. But when the task isn't as glamorous or exciting as I'd like, I get disappointed. I question Him. I whine.

I forget God is a fan of Do What You Say.

Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

If I say I'll do whatever He asks, that includes whatever He asks, whether I deem it worthy or not. He doesn't require us to promise anything. He just wants us to follow through on what we do. If it comes out of our mouth, He'll hold us to it. He's a God of His Word. He wants us to be too. If I say I'll do anything, I better do anything! God's not much for smooth talkers either.

These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.

Is that a nice way of saying, "Put up or shut up?" Am I guilty of talking big, but delivering little? Do I put on a good show, yet fail to reflect it inwardly? Do my actions match up with my words? If I say, "I'm Your girl, God," yet sigh over the lackluster job He gives, have I condemned myself? Have I proven my heart is far from Him?

Do I believe what I say? Do I DO what I say?

“The kind of religion that God requires, and will accept, does not consist in weak, dull, and lifeless “wouldings”–those weak inclinations that lack convictions–that raise us but a little above indifference. God, in his word, greatly insists that we be in good earnest, fervent in spirit, and that our hearts be engaged vigorously in our religion.”

Jonathan Edwards

Am I just a woman with good intentions or am I a godly woman? How can I tell? How do I know if my "religion" honors God or disgusts Him?

Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.

Faith that honors God, does what He says, does whatever He says. Faith that He accepts, is genuine and active, not frustrated and whiny.

Lord, I'm guilty of saying I'll do anything for you, but complaining about what You set before me. Make me earnest, fervent and engaged in any assignment You give. Help me put up or shut up.

How can you "put up" better?

What do you think of this Jonathan Edwards' quote? Link up and share your thoughts.




Scripture passages taken from: Ecclesiastes 5:2, 4-5; Isaiah 29:13; John 14:21