Just Do Something
“I know this may sound crass … but guys, if you like a girl and you’re both Christians and your friends and family aren’t alarmed and she actually likes you back, you should probably get married. Let me be quick to add that singleness is not a disease in need of a cure. God can lead you into a time (or lifetime) of fruitful ministry as a single person. And if you at times feel frustration over an earnest longing to be married, remember this time of being single is part of God’s good plan too… . So, I want to be clear: There’s nothing wrong with being single. But gentlemen, there’s something wrong with waiting around for God to pluck a woman from your side. He did it for Adam, but He’s not going to do it for you. No matter who you marry, it will be hard work. So find someone to marry and work at it. You may get cold feet before walking down the aisle—that’s normal. But don’t overthink yourself into a lifelong celibacy.” —Kevin DeYoung
David and I just finished this excellent book! Kevin DeYoung gives us plain words, plainly (and concisely and interestingly) expressed. No paragraphs-that-should-have-been-sentences for him. Thank you, Kevin!
He counsels fellow Christians to put aside the agony and indecision that marks much of our decision making and to simply make a decision, stick to it, and find fulfillment in the will that God has already revealed (you know, the do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God stuff). The Just Do Something “formula” looks something like this:
Step One: Search the Scriptures. Do what God has already obviously revealed in His Word.
Step Two: Get wise counsel. That is, be teachable. Talk to trustworthy Christians and get their take on the matter.
Step Three: Pray … but don’t ask God to specifically tell you this or that, as if he was a magic 8-ball. Instead, ask for pure motives. Seek a humble heart. Pray for love, courage, and wisdom to make a decision that honors God.
Step Four: Make a decision—and don’t over-spiritualize.
He applys this to marriage, career choices, and all the rest. I say, go Kevin! This message so, so needs to be proclaimed to the church: Don’t worry. Trust God. And do the next thing.
