The Right Way is the Harder Way

“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” (Ezr 8:21 AV)

Sometimes, the harder choice is the more spiritually beneficial one.  Ezra had two choices.  He could either take a direct route to Jerusalem and with the help of the Persian army, remain safe.  Or, he could seek a different way wherein he didn’t need the protection of the Persian army and support his testimony of the greatness of God.  Ezra bragged on the LORD and His ability to keep them secure in their journey back to Jerusalem.  What he was faced with was efficiency and pragmatism over God’s glory.  Sometimes the harder and more illogical way is the right way in order to keep one’s faith and integrity.

Practically expedient does not always translate into spiritually beneficial.  Pragmatism, which is practical expediency, is the mantra of today’s churches.  If it is quick, easy, and brings results while saving money and resources, then it must have been the right thing to do.  The problem is, short term gain often turns into long term losses.  Sometimes, the benefit may not be seen for some time.  Growing up in western New York, we had serious battles with snow.  We lived on a corner house which means we had twice as much sidewalk to shovel.  Our driveway was a six-car driveway.  More of a parking lot.  When it snowed, clearing it was a major operation.  My father had a Sears two stage snow blower.  This machine could move mountains.  However, it was rarely used.  My father would command his small army of eight sons out to the garage, each grab a shovel, and not come in until it was cleared.  That was o.k. if there was less than a foot and a half.  However, if more fell, that idle snow blower was an object of resentment.  Whether my father intended to teach us this or not, what we learned was that sometimes, persistence is the only thing that will get us through hard times of life.  Sometimes, no matter who deep the snow is, there is no easy way out and one must learn to tackle trials like one eats an elephant.  One bite at a time.

We never would have learned persistence and hope in dire circumstances any other way.  It took more time, effort, energy, and resources to do it the hard way.  But what we learned was worth the extra cost.  The saints of God and our churches are becoming too pragmatic.  What is the cost?  What is the return?  How well will be the response?  What will attract the greatest audience? Etc.  Sometimes, the hard way is the best way.  It could be done easier, but in the long run, the payoff is not worth it.