INTRODUCTION
Prayer. It's an enriching spiritual exercise. But can it become a crutch? An excuse to pass off our responsibilities to God? Are we hiding behind our prayers to mask our unwillingness to own up to our irresponsibility? Perhaps it's time to get up off our knees . . . and do something.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Have you used prayer as an excuse for your irresponsibility? When?
- Would you categorize yourself as someone who resists confronting others? Is this the same thing as "enabling"?
- Read Joshua 7:2-13. Is it fair that the entire Israelite community was reaping the consequences of one man's irresponsibility?
- When have you compensated for someone else's irresponsibility?
- If the people who knew you best heard you pray, would any of your prayer make them shake their heads and say, "I don't see you making much effort"?
- What are some things you would like to see God do in your life? What part of that is your responsibility?
MOVING FORWARD
Prayer is an essential part of the Christian faith. There's always time to pray. But there's also a time to stand up and do something; to take responsibility. We don't have to ask God whether we should be honest or not. We don't have to ask God whether we should show compassion to our enemies. We do need to stand up and take responsibility. Don't just kneel there . . . do something.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
The LORD said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?"
Joshua 7:10