We Have To Really Want It
We live in a world of sound bites and headlines, entertainment and sensationalism. People love the momentary spikes of inspiration, such as we might see in those Facebook pictures that have deep, thought-provoking messages written on them. We "like" them. Then maybe comment on how inspiring the message is. And then we move on to the next interesting thing that might capture our attention for the next thirty seconds.
Not to be graphic, but the digital age in this twenty-first century has fostered a culture of intellectual masturbation. We like the quick and momentarily self-satisfying. But commitment to anything long term and long lasting? Forget about it!
I'm reminded of a passage from the Bible book known as Ezekiel:
"As for you, [Ezekiel], your people are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, 'Come and hear the message that has come from the Lord.' My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to hear your words, but they do not put them into practice. Their mouths speak of love, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice." (Ezekiel 33:30-32, TNIV)
Inspiration is good. But what we do with it is what matters. If I am inspired by the words, "Love your enemies," but am not moved to actually love my enemies, then what good is the inspiration? If I am inspired by the amazing delivery of a preacher's sermon, but remember only the delivery and not the substance of it, then what good is the inspiration?
Are we inspired by words of wisdom? Are we inspired by images of neighbor loving neighbor? Are we inspired by the vision of a transformed world?
Or do we merely hear without actually listening? Are we really motivated by the inspiration we encounter?
Inspiration is nothing unless a motivation follows it, and until an action fulfills it.
We have to really want it.
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