By: Obed Pineda
There are certain trains of thought that are detrimental to one’s spiritual growth. For example, consider the lazy man’s slogan: “Not today, maybe tomorrow.” This expression, unfortunately, is much too common among Christians concerning the study of God’s Word. This lackadaisical approach to spiritual affairs not only reveals an unenergetic desire to grow, but also a poor grasp on the dire consequences from not growing (cf. Hebrews 5:12-6:8, Luke 13:6-9). Furthermore, it is a feigned attempt of self-justification purposed to cover up a spirit of ingratitude (clearly displayed through negligence) toward God’s grace. Another concept is that of “it is what it is.” Those who live by this code are undeniably victims of their own complacency. However, this too, exposes a heart trapped in a prison of fear. A fear of taking on more responsibility, not necessarily out of concern of failure but rather a fear of having to sacrifice more of one’s time, focus, and effort. Observe that this phrase is typically uttered when a person decides to give up and reluctantly accepts an outcome with which they do not agree. It must be noted that it is not this author’s intention to establish that using these expressions (and others similar to these) are wrong, but rather to warn about allowing these ideas to transform into an individual’s style of living. In other words, beware of habitually abiding by these philosophies (i.e. train of thought) as if they are cardinal rules for living. One does well to bring to memory the words of the inspired Koheleth who manifests, “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This sacred Scripture provides the reason why it is perilous for a Christian to guide his life by anything other than the holy Word of God, and how it stunts spiritual growth as well. Although there are a plethora of other man made ideas that pose a serious threat to the fortification of a Christian’s inward man, there is one insidious belief that is a bit more toxic than most: “Just enough.” The premise of this lifestyle revolves around doing just the bare minimum, with the goal of avoiding a stressful life of Christianity. One illustrative form which describes this attitude is choosing not to comply with the Master’s commandment of bearing one’s cross daily (cf. Matthew 16:24-27, Mark 8:34-38, and Luke 9:23-26) but to instead make adjustments to their cross (such as shortening it or making it hollow) to lighten its weight, thus “improving” the burden of having to carry it. The notion is that the Savior instructed us to carry the cross, but never told us how to fulfill the commandment. Verily, those who justify this behavior have become dull of hearing and are dearth of Christ’s true purpose for giving this directive in the first place (cf. Romans 8:18-28, 2nd Corinthians 4:16-18). Ergo, their expectation is that since they obeyed the heavenly mandate, they secure eternal life in heaven with “just enough” self-sacrifice. Regrettably, this poisonous logic has lured and bound a great number of Christians throughout the ages, snuffing out any desire of being “His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14b). One current example of this to be true is witnessed through several people’s view of attending worship and Bible study. This approach promotes that as long as an individual attends one of the services (either morning or evening, depending on which one is more convenient or preferable) then he has checked off the box and is not required to be present in the other one. The Bible (they unashamedly claim) only commands for a Christian to worship on the first day of the week, but does not say how often on Sunday nor anything about any other day of the week. Thus, the reasoning is that sin is not present since the Divine ordinance has not been violated. Being at one worship service on Sunday, according to them, is just enough to please God. Once more, practicing this bad habit and thinking it is sanctioned by God, is having a shortage of Biblical comprehension. Those who defend this erroneous position are just as blind as the rich young ruler who believed that by simply following the Law he could obtain salvation (cf. Matthew 19:16-22, Mark 10:17-22, Luke 18:18-23). Yet, upon hearing the great Redeemer say, “You still lack one thing” they fail to comprehend that what is missing is not a strict adherence to the rule, but the right attitude of love and a joyful desire to follow the command (cf. 1st Corinthians 13:1–3, Revelation 2:1-7). Holy Writ clearly demonstrates in the paradigm of the rich young ruler that doing just enough is not enough to be granted access to eternal life (remember that was the question he had for the Master to begin with). Instead, the Bible presents the correct pattern for those who fervently desire to live with God for all of eternity in another rich and prominent man named Zacchaeus (cf. Luke 19:1-10). The eagerness that Zacchaeus had to see Jesus is on full display when one meditates on what he did to achieve his goal. This wealthy chief tax collector did not accept defeat when “he could not because of the crowd, for he was short stature” (Luke 19:3). Zacchaeus could have easily chosen to be satisfied with the knowledge that he was at least in the proximity of Jesus where he could hear His voice, especially since being shorter than the crowd he stood among was out of his control. He could have been content with hearing His voice since this was better than not hearing Him at all; it was just enough. Many today would agree with this sad logic and be appeased with only hearing the sweet voice of Jesus, but not Zacchaeus. He was determined to take advantage of this glorious opportunity to see, with his own eyes, the Savior of the world, and was not about to be denied. Despite his small stature and the merciless ridicule he was possibly about to endure, Zacchaeus “ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way” (Luke 19:4). This man, being rich and in a powerful political position, did not allow his honorable reputation to be a deterrent to settle for less than seeing the Lord, for hearing about Him was just not enough. His zeal for wanting to meet the Christ face to face was indeed fervent, and it caught the attention of the Master (cf. Luke 19:5). Zacchaeus’ example of going beyond the minimum does not end with him climbing the sycamore tree, but continues to radiate with what he was willing to do to restore his relationship with God and the people. Remember that tax collectors were accused of taking advantage of their positions to steal from the people, and were referred to as sinners for this reason (cf. Luke 19:7). This little giant, however, was willing to “restore fourfold” anyone he wronged, which was much more than what the Law required (Luke 19:8, cf. Leviticus 6:1-5). Zacchaeus’ spirit of going beyond the minimum requirement earned him what the rich young ruler coveted, but failed to obtain (cf. Luke 19:9-10). Today, many also desire to gain entrance into heaven, but with as little sacrifice as possible. Zacchaeus, however, proves that one must be willing to diligently climb a sycamore tree in order to be blessed with eternal life.