not trying

“You’re not even trying!” I wonder how often I’ve said that to one of my kids, or grandkids, or employees. I wonder how often it’s been said to me.

Sometimes, when people don’t care very much, they don’t try very hard. Sometimes, when they perceive that they already have the benefits, they no longer want to do the work.

Sometimes, “they” becomes “we,” as in we long-term Christians. Look at this, from Hebrews 5:11-12: “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.”

If we were really trying to have a growing relationship with God, and were trying hard to understand what he wants, then by this time we’d be teachers. Yet there we are, sitting in the pew Sunday after Sunday, still not always able to follow what the pastor is saying. Sometimes, not even trying, but instead thinking through the rest of the day, or yesterday’s game.

It’s hard for even the best teacher to explain if we aren’t trying. But if we aren’t trying, why not? Is it because we think we already have the benefits, and Bible study seems like hard work? Devotions seems like they take too much time? Taking sermon notes seems like a hassle?

My wife teaches piano, and can tell within minutes how much effort a student put in since the last lesson. Pastors can tell from the pulpit how much effort people put in to listening. But God knows immediately how hard we’re trying to know him and understand his revelation. And he cares the most.