Get Up and Do It!

Photo by: franky242

A famous politician constantly says, “We need to . . . .” After hearing this phrase several times, my reaction is, “Well why don’t you just get up and do it?”

We hear it in Christian circles as well.

1. I know I need to . . . tell my unsaved boyfriend good-bye, kick a bad habit, see a doctor, make Christian friends, go on a diet, etc.
2. It would be good if I . . . read my Bible more, prayed more, lived out my faith in a better way, wore modest clothing, cared about others, got more involved in my church, etc.
3. I wish I could . . . have a happy marriage, have obedient children, have a clean kitchen, take care of the garden, read more good books, etc.

Why don’t you just start?

• Why don’t you start small, with a step you can handle today?
• Why don’t you start a good habit today?
• Why don’t you start reading your Bible today?
• Why don’t you buy a more modest outfit the next time you go shopping?
• Why don’t you wash your dishes and clean your stove?
• Why are you not doing something like that today?

Yes, all of us procrastinate about the things we hate doing. I remember leaving my math homework until last. I loved English and history and science, but math . . . it took more willpower. So, I’d do it after the fun stuff, when I was the most tired. Not a good strategy! I would end up in tears some nights.

Make your wishes come true.

I’m not talking about pie in the sky stuff. I’m talking about practical, necessary stuff—especially those things that will help you spiritually, those actions that will enhance your life and witness.

How’s your prayer life? What can you do about it today? A prayer list? More consistent praying throughout the day? Consciously thinking about and praying for others? Praying while you drive or commute? Praying as you wash pots and pans? Praying in the morning, before you get out of bed? Praying in a specified block of time?

Bible reading? How about setting apart a regular time for prayer and Bible reading? How can you make your Bible reading more practical? How can you be more systematic with reading through the Bible—all of the Bible? Find a plan and do it today!

Want a better marriage? What step could you take today? What would make your husband feel special? What great meal could you prepare? What can you thank him for today? How can you make him happy today?

Want more obedient children? How can you help Junior and Suzie understand how to obey immediately? How can you reinforce good behavior today? How can you be more consistent in what you say and do: telling the child only one time, expecting obedience the first time, showing him negative consequences for disobedience, etc. Maybe an action chart would help?

Kicking a bad habit? Today, you can decide not to do that habit again. How can you strengthen your resolve? Substitute something good for the bad. What habit would you like to start instead of the negative one? Start today! Do something positive! (The best substitute for bad behavior—sin--is saturating your mind with the Word of God. Memorize verses that are practical for you, that have something to do with conquering the bad habit or living in victory. Memorize encouraging verses. Spend your time thinking right, biblical thoughts.) Do you need to stay away from temptation? (It could be a place, situation, or company.) Decide today what you can do instead of going to this place, putting yourself in this situation, or going out with the same friends. Get help. Confide in a trusted counselor. It’s great to have someone on your side, someone who is praying for you.

What do you need to do?

Make up your mind and do it! 

 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: 

thy spirit is good; 

lead me into the land of uprightness (Psalm 143:10).