Why Bother?

He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust (Psalm 40:3, 4a)

A week or so again, our pastor asked an important question while teaching on the necessity of discipleship. He asked: why bother?

I have to admit there were lots of other people there that night that had great answers, but one answer kept coming back to me again and again. And that was the answer Peter gave so many years ago: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)

You see, I wasn't raised a Christian, nor did I find Jesus early on, but instead I came to know the biblical Jesus after I had lived for a bit. And, unlike some amazing stories others tell, my life without Jesus was actually a pretty good life. I was honest--to the point my brother teased me about it--I was moral, I didn't drink excessively (very often anyway), I didn't do drugs, I held down a good job, was a responsible and loving mom to my kids, and in short really did most things the world considers "good."

And, I lived my life for myself: I did what seemed right to me, charted my own course, and was more or less successful in the things that our culture values. I had a good job, a decent marriage, good kids, and was a good person.

But, inside I knew there were some "issues." And, even worse I didn't have any answers for these issues. I knew, for instance, that I lost my tempers at my kids far too often. I knew that my marriage had some pretty serious fissures, and that I was at least partly to blame. I knew that despite being "too honest," that I wasn't completely honest all the time. I also knew that there was a lot of discontent inside me about my job, about my home, and about my life. And, even worse I didn't have a clue how to go about changing me to correct those things.

So, when I came to know Jesus, it was after living my own life, after being master of my own destiny, and after having the success and accolades of the world, and realizing that those things really and truly left me empty. And, so when God came looking for me I knew that "I" didn't have the answers. I truly couldn't fix me, and I surely couldn't fix anyone else.

And, I quickly found out that He could! And, He did--since coming to know Him, those things I mentioned above really aren't issues anymore. Oh, I'm not perfect by any means--He's still working on me. But, He's changed so much in my life and filled me with His joy and His contentment, and His love. My marriage relationship has changed. My relationship with my children has changed. I am more contented and more joyful. And, those other issues that bothered me so badly before, really aren't issues at all anymore.

And, so with the Psalmist I just have to shout out His praises! For you see, I didn't make those changes--Jesus did! And, so my answer to my pastor's question of "why bother?" is how could I not? Like Peter, I too know that Jesus holds the words to, not only my eternity, but also to the joyful and fulfilled life now!