N-Ought-Y

I don't really like that word...ought. I'm being completely serious. It's a naughty word. It's about good intentions and good intentions really aren't worth the time it takes to utter one. In Star Wars Yoda says "Do or do not. There is no try." He's right.

We all have things we ought to do. All that means is we realize we should be doing it and are consciously avoiding it! We ought to clean out the garage. We ought to call our grandparents more often. We ought to spend more time praying. The only thing "ought to" is ever going to buy you is regret as you look back on the opportunity that is long gone and realize there was a blessing there that you missed.

I try to add some humor when I write most of these as long as it doesn't get in the way of what I feel God is giving me to write about. I think it's a good idea and that it keeps the reader interested. But there are also times when the blunt truth is all that's called for and this is one of those times. That thing you've been saying you ought to do that you haven't done? Unless that thing is a direct act of disobedience to God, you are bound by your faith to do it. In fact, it's disobedience to NOT do what you feel you ought to be doing. Don't believe me? See what the Bible has to say on the subject:

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. -- James 4:17 NIV

I've neglected some people I shouldn't neglect and I've not said some things that needed saying. I ought to have done those things just like I ought to have done a billion other things. It's very clear that it is sin to avoid doing what God has put in front of us to do. Whatever it is, I'm urging you to not let it sit any longer. If God has put it on your heart that you need to do something, don't let yourself get caught up saying you ought to have done it as you look back at the aftermath of your inaction.

We commit sins by doing and we commit sins by not doing. The Bible is very clear on that. Everyone makes mistakes. We all do or say things that wind up having unintended impacts on others. That's understandable. But to absolutely know we should do something, that God is calling us to something, and not do it...well, that's just out and out sinning and unacceptable. I know I'm asking forgiveness for all the things I ought to have done and didn't do, and I'm going to continue to ask for accountability from others when I fail in the future.

How will you handle the "ought to" situations in your life?