angelaschmeling

What’s the first thing you think of when you hear but?

No, I’m not talking about your caboose or your rump. 🤣

But:

Used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned.

I was doing a study recently on the book of 2 Kings. After a while, the book can seem almost redundant with chapter after chapter of “this king was pleasing to the Lord.” Or “this king did evil in the Lords sight” however there are some spots like in 2 Kings 14:3 (NLT)

He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, BUT…

I started hearing this every so often and it hit me. The BUT is so telling! As we just read in the definition, it’s a precursor to a contradiction.

Those kings were following God, BUT, they were allowing things of the world to stay in their lives. Pagan idols, etc. These things were keeping them from fully pleasing God and doing all that He had called them to do.

So I got to thinking. Am I pleasing the Lord, or do I have a big BUT at the end of the statement?

• I am pleasing to the Lord, BUT I spend too much time on social media.
• I am pleasing to the Lord, BUT I’m too focused on the things of the world and losing focus on what’s important
• I want to read my Bible, BUT my favorite TV show is on
• I know this song has a message contrary to God, BUT the beat is so good.
• I want to go to church, BUT I’m really too tired and I’ve been so busy lately.

Ouch.

Maybe you can relate to some of those statements. Maybe you have some different ones, that still have a BUT in them. The question is, are we letting the things of the world crowd our mind so we are making BUT statements to justify them?

Am I letting these BUT statements overshadow what God has called me to do, leading me to live a life that is less pleasing to Him?

Am I letting the things of the world pull me away from being the witness I need to be? Especially now when the world needs Jesus more than ever?

Are we following God completely or allowing the BUTS to interject into our life?

I don’t want there to be a BUT statement when the Lord thinks of me. With the Lord’s help, we can lead a “but less” life. We just need to ask.

Help us Father to be pleasing to you in all areas, without a BUT!

For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face is Jesus Christ

2 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV