It’s easy to criticize others and complain how things could be better. But merely grumbling on the sidelines neglects our responsibilities. We must have the courage to actually enter the arena and pour out our blood, sweat, and tears to accomplish God’s calling for our life.
To be sure, it’s safe and comfortable on the sidelines. We can see all the action without the risk. We’re not on the hook to make things happen and so we get to avoid any potential blame.
While it’s tempting just to watch and critique, we’re called to do much more. We’re called to enter the arena, which is inherently risky.
Much will be required of us and there are no guarantees. And this plays out in big and small ways.
For instance, this might simply mean speaking up in our personal relationships.
We want things to be different but we nitpick and complain rather than engage in open and honest conversations. Or perhaps we’re embarrassed or otherwise self-conscious with our desires and so we just go along with others rather than naming what’s important to us.
On a larger scale, we might also see many things not as they should be in the world around us.
And we can readily name all the things others are doing (or not doing) to contribute to the problem. But even when our critiques are accurate, we stop short of throwing our hat into the ring – joining the good fight to make a difference.
Whatever our arena looks like, faith requires more than merely sitting on the sidelines. We’re called to courageously offer our unique strength, perspectives, and heart to the time and place God has given us each day.
It’s in the arena we take an active stand against the thief of goodness and bring more of God’s light and life into the world.
There’s a time to critique. But do so in the arena fighting the good fight God has given you.
Photo by Attentie Attentie on Unsplash
