Embrace a Movement and Let Go of Jesus!

By Michael Wells
Posted Thursday, April 8, 2004

Isaiah 1:14-15, “I am weary of bearing them. So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen.” We have been bombarded in America by methods. There is a method for evangelism, childrearing, Bible study, Scripture memory, church growth, building expansion, giving, and counseling. There are myriad specialized ministries addressing how to reach the businessman, the doctor, the neighbor, the moms, the dads, the internationals, and more. It is just amazing and reminds me of the story of the Indian visiting the Christian bookstore in London. He had never seen so many books. The owner, upon observing his amazement, took him from category to category showing him all the books on the aforementioned methods. In the end, the Indian said, “I have not before seen so many books. I only have one question; don’t Christians know how to do anything?” We must, in my opinion, walk the way Jesus walked with God. He didn’t have a manual, but simply (though it isn’t simple for those of us living in this world) kept His focus on the Father. He maintained that relationship and never seemed to be at a loss for what to do in any given situation. If it was true for Him, couldn’t it be true for you and me? Try to prepare for a coming situation and watch as it takes a twist you were not ready for. Spend the day with Him, and you will have His wisdom no matter what happens. The problem is that you cannot do both. You cannot spend the day working on your method and focused on Him. It is one or the other. Embrace the method and you must let Him go! The cost of a how-to seminar is way beyond the registration fee that you paid, for it will cost your peace and your readiness.