Inspired to “Strive” or “Stroll?”

If you’ve ever been to a conference or attended a lecture on a subject that really interests you, you may walk away with your mind in overdrive. You think about all the ideas presented and the ways you plan to implement what you’ve learned. You may even struggle to fall asleep that night as your thoughts continue to churn.

The other day, I listened to a podcast featuring a conversation between a couple of Christ-followers I respect deeply. About the time I was able to wrap my brain around one idea they brought up, they’d throw another one out to consider. It was rapid fire teaching from Scripture, and it all caused “my heart to burn within me” (Luke 24:32) as my spirit resonated with what they shared.

There was so much great information to store in my brain! So many new thoughts and concepts I felt deserved further exploration! So many ideas I wanted to try out! I would definitely be listening to this podcast again – this time with notepad and pen in hand.

But then I had a palm to forehead moment. “What. Are. You. Doing?!”

Let me be clear. There’s nothing problematic about listening to a good podcast or a fascinating lecture or a thought-provoking teaching. God gave us brains to fill with all that wonderful knowledge He’s put into the universe! But what comes next? Do you “strive” or do you “stroll?” You may process information more appropriately than I do, but I tend to “strive” more than “stroll.”

So after ingesting some of that tasty brain food, I’ll “strive” to organize all the information, make a plan, and get to work. I’ll “strive” to imitate the examples of other believers. I’ll “strive” to make a thorough list of action items based on what I’ve learned and start knocking out those to-do’s ASAP. “Striving” comes from all I’ve determined to do.

What Jesus asks of me is to “stroll.” He wants me to take what I’ve learned and sit with it in prayer, to contemplate wisdom from His Spirit through the Word, and to listen for His counsel through biblical community. Maybe He does have some next steps for me, but He’ll reveal them as we spend time together. And that’s not a rushed process. It’s a “stroll.” He’ll ask me to consider one or two areas where I can serve Him well, to bring in the family of God to work shoulder to shoulder to accomplish God’s work, and to keep the steady rhythm of faithfulness in my tasks. That’s a “stroll.” He wants me to look at my brothers and sisters and the good works they’ve done and give thanks and glory to God for their unique talents and the ways they use them. But He wants me to love others the way He’s wired me – not like Speakers A and B. He wants to disciple me, and that’s done at the leisurely pace of a “stroll,” not a sprint.

“Striving” is us saying to Jesus, “Look at me, Jesus! I’m doing what You want! Is it good enough? Are you proud of me?” “Striving” is exhausting.

“Strolling” is Jesus saying to us, “Walk with Me, beloved. Partner with Me in the Father’s work. Enjoy one day at a time, one act of love at a time. Each slow, sure step of faithfulness will lead you closer to Home.” “Strolling” is life-giving, and it’s the invitation of Jesus to anyone who wants to follow Him.

So before you invest another 30 minutes/hour/afternoon of your precious life listening to another podcast/lecture/teaching, pray for God to help you choose “strolling” over “striving.” Ask Him to help you sift through the mountain of information in front of you. Ask Him to help you discern if there’s work He wants you to do. Jesus will let you know. He’s already gone ahead and prepared the way. He’s just looking for hearts willing to continue His mission in His Spirit’s power, in His perfect timing, and in His joy.

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A few verses to remind you to “stroll” instead of “strive”…

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him Who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises.” – 1 Peter 1:3-4

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:8-10

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2