Day 1 of False Choices: You must choose between watching or working.

“When Gideon took his warriors down to the water, the Lord told him, “Divide the men into two groups. In one group put all those who cup water in their hands and lap it up with their tongues like dogs. In the other group put all those who kneel down and drink with their mouths in the stream.” Only 300 of the men drank from their hands. All the others got down on their knees and drank with their mouths in the stream. The Lord told Gideon, “With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.””

‭‭Judges‬ ‭7‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I noticed a tendency in the political arena that one group was co-opting the language of an argument, or even the way particular things are referenced. It’s as though the change in the power dynamic, or even whether some action or behavior is accepted or rejected, often is first changed in terms of the language used to describe the action or behavior.

One huge example of what I am referencing (in terms of controlling the language) is the exchanging of the word “abortion” with the phrases “reproductive rights” and “women’s healthcare.”

Another example currently seen in the headlines is the changing of “election integrity,” to “voter suppression.” Rules—formerly accepted as prudent—become reframed, or rephrased, as something “sinister.”

Whereas I could go on expounding in terms of these examples, this is not our purpose here.

What we will be doing over the next several days is looking at some “false choices” that have insidiously been interjected into our Christian walk.

The imposition of a false choice serves the purpose of intimidating a person into either doing or not doing a particular behavior, or thinking or not thinking in a particular manner, just like the language manipulators make what you are doing now undesirable—or even malignant—by reframing.

The first false choice we will examine is the argument that if we are watching for the coming of Jesus Christ, that somehow keeps us from doing any productive work. In other words, if we are watching for Jesus to come (as we have clearly been instructed to do), then we have forsaken all hopes of living a “normal” life or accomplishing anything. We are necessarily somehow standing with our arms limp at our sides and our eyes out on stems, wearing a robe while staring at a candle. Now, put in those terms, it sounds ridiculous, and it is. But this is how the purveyors of this false choice would have you visualize the one who is looking for our Lord to return.

Today we will make our argument against this false choice by pointing out the position on the imperative to watch for the Lord’s coming, as well as the instruction to do good works.

I will begin with He through Whom all things were made: Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, you can’t read the words of the Lord without understanding that there is a push toward being better and doing better. We understand that we are not saved because of good works but we clearly see that the Lord expects that we be productive (fruitful). This scripture is one of many pointing out this aspect of the Lord’s expectation concerning our behavior:

“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Whereas it is a given that the Lord clearly instructs us to good works, we also cannot read His words without seeing the warning that we should be watching for His coming.

““But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This example (one of many) shows that our Lord presented no choice between watching for Him or doing good.

Next we will look at the words of Apostle Paul. He also stressed that it is important—even indicative of walking with the Lord—that we do good works.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yet, we also see that Paul stressed our need to be watching for the Lord’s coming.

“For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. When people are saying, “Everything is peaceful and secure,” then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape. But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief. For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So, we see that Paul forced no choice between doing good and watching for the Lord’s coming.

We will turn things around a little bit as we consider what Peter had to say in terms of watching for the coming of the Lord as well as doing good works.

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭4‬, ‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In the above scripture Peter is most vehemently warning that we are not to take on the attitude of scoffers or growing weary of watching for the Lord’s return.

On the other hand, after having given this severe warning about watching for the Lord‘s coming, Peter tells us that the knowledge of how things are all going to end should lead us to do good works.

“Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

So we see that Peter forced no false choice between watching for the Lord or doing good works.

In our opening scripture we see where the Lord was culling down the army of Gideon (eventually) to 300, with the final test being how they would drink water. Those who lifted the water to their mouth so that they could watch while they drank were chosen to remain; the men who got down on hands and knees to drink, making it impossible to watch, were sent home.

Child of God, there is no evidence that watching for the Lord‘s coming takes away from a persons motivation or ability in terms of being productive. Quite to the contrary, you will find that the people who are truly looking for the coming of the Lord are the hardest workers, as well as the most “positive” people.

Remember, not only do you not have to choose between watching and working, the fact is, we are commanded to do both.

Today we lay to rest the false choice between watching and working. Jesus is coming! (WATCH!) Get ready for Him! (WORK!)

#10daysoffalsechoices