By Jonathan Camiolo

 

One of my favorite comedians Brian Reagan does a standup comedy sketch about a young boy that is in a spelling be but has no interest in trying at all.  He receives the word “cat” to spell, but instead of spelling one of the easiest words, he spells it “K-A-T” simply to get out of the contest.  

 

Over my years in youth ministry, I have played and I have also run what seems like hundreds of different activities.  There have been countless times that some of the teens or kids simply don’t want to play so they try to lose in the first round.  It’s sad to see something that could be a blast for participants turned into less fun.  They would rather give up before they even start to try.

 

In the first reading from Exodus, Moses is trying with all of his strength to hold up his arms to encourage and empower his troops.  He needed to ask for help in order have his arms held up by two close friends.  One thing is for sure, he did not take the easy out that day.  He persevered.   The second reading from 2 Timothy says to “be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient” and in the gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples “about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary”.  Something consistent here?  I think so.  God does not want us to take the easy way, only the right way.  He wants us to stand for what is right and true, being patient with others, humble enough to ask for help and unceasing in prayer.  

 

What about you?  Are you willing to be consistent and persistent in following Christ as His disciple and willing to ask Him for the help when you feel too weak?  Or do you look for the easy way out and hope there is a back door into heaven?  Are you ready now to respond more so to Christ’s invitation and seek Him in all parts of your life?  

 

Think. Pray. Decide. Change.  

 

You are loved!  Pray for me this week and I will pray for you…promise!