The Easy Way Out

During college, I worked at a little hometown grocery store. One day I was helping the manager set up endcap displays for the weekly sales items. I don’t remember what it was I did wrong, but I remember him coming up to me after I finished. The look on his face made it clear I’d messed up. He corrected my mistake, explained what I should’ve done (for probably the third time), and said, “You like to do things the hard way, don’t you?”

Even though I can’t recall where my efforts went wrong with that display almost thirty years ago, I remember those words like they were said yesterday.

I’ve been struck by something lately. Not a bolt of lightning or the Coronavirus, but something serious nonetheless.

Sometimes we’re too quick to take the easy way out.

Doing something the HARD way isn’t always a bad thing.

It’s human nature to choose what looks easiest on the surface, right? Naturally, we don’t WANT to walk a quarter of a mile from a mall parking space if we can find one up front. We don’t WANT to get off the couch to discipline a misbehaving child if we’re in the middle of a really good book. We don’t WANT to make a healthy meal for the family if Domino’s has a $5.99 special.

But there are lessons and benefits in the hard way, friends.

Walking a quarter of a mile has health benefits. Disciplining your child has spiritual benefits. And making healthy meals for your family has benefits beyond measure.

“Taking the easy way out is the habit of a lazy man, and it will be his downfall.”

 Proverbs 21:25-26

In previous Facebook posts and blogs, I’ve alluded to the fact that our family is dealing with a lot right now. We have five children and, the Lord knows, they are far from perfect. Each day brings new trials. From a toddler with no clue how to self-regulate to his parents who often fail miserably with their own shortcomings. Throw in the nine-year-old and the three teenagers and, well, there are hard days.

A few particular struggles are heartbreaking. We could take the easy way out though. We could throw up our hands and accept the sin. We could say, “well, this child is just a product of their past”, or “that’s just how this child is wired. We can’t change that.” It’s often easier to accept the sin and cave to what the world says is acceptable.

But you know what? JESUS is worth doing things the hard way.

“…let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:1a-2

This week, in particular, I’m struck with the weight of my own sin. In the days leading up to Good Friday and Easter, I’m reminded of how much Jesus loves me. His death and resurrection are the foundation of my faith. Jesus chose to fulfill His Father’s plan and die on the cross to take my judgment upon Himself. I’d hardly call that taking the easy way out.

So, why are we so quick to take the easy way out in something so important as our parenting?

Friends, if you’re a Christian parent, you should be girded with truth, prepared for battle. Satan is aiming flaming arrows at our children and we can’t afford NOT to do battle the hard way.

Many of my friends appear to face the same struggles we are facing. Unfortunately, I see, all too often, parents choosing to throw in the towel and move on. My prayer for you and for me is that we will seek to line up with the will of God in all things, in all battles. Let us be persistent in teaching, modeling, and living out the Gospel in front of our children.

If you are prone to taking the easy way out, take this week to look at the days leading up to Christ’s death and resurrection. Let’s partner with Him in doing things the hard way!