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by Fred Price
Answering that question necessitates posing another. What does it mean to be compelled? Webster’s defines it as accomplishing a task by force or great effort, doing something forcefully or to be driven; the definition most applicable for the concept under consideration. Significantly, the English word compel is a French/Latin combination meaning to drive together – as in a nail compelling two pieces of wood to join together. Should this sense of being compelled to perform a task come from within or be exerted from outside ourselves? (As in Acts 16:6-10 & 20:22) Is there a difference between being forced to do something, such as behaving or obeying the law because we fear the consequences from our parents, employers or police; and feeling we must do something either because it desperately needs doing or it is absolutely the right thing to do?
What causes us to feel compelled? If the Body of Christ and the unsaved world need to be brought together, are we the nails necessary for that joining; is God the hammer driving us or is our desire to accomplish his will and love for others the motivating factor behind our involvement? To be honest, sometimes it’s both; the latter preferably coming to dominate our desires and actions, we being compelled to respond out of love, respect and a desire to be useful to God and those about us.
Jeremiah is a good example of a man compelled to a hard task. He was a patriot who loved his country and his country’s God. He was aware of Israel’s past glory as well as her potential for greatness in the future if she returned to the principles of Godly living expected of her. His job was to remind people where they had come from while warning them where they were headed if they refused to embrace what made them unique in the world; obedience to the will of God. In return, he received ridicule, insults and threats. Not surprisingly, he got tired of it and decided he was done; he would say no more – their fate was in their own hands. But God wasn’t done with him or the Israelis yet. Jeremiah’s response? “…if I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak anymore in his name’, his word is in my heart like a fire ,…I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot .” Jeremiah 20:9 He knew what was right and couldn’t keep silent. He had something so wonderful to share he wouldn’t keep quiet. (Not only destruction as a consequence of sin and rebellion but the forgiveness and redemption as a result of repentance and obedience.) It erupted from him in fiery condemnation and warm assurance, as one prepared the way for the other. Jeremiah’s lament was that the Israelis still clung to the blessings of their heritage, which were contingent on their faithfulness, even as they threw off the “constraints” of their ancestors’ faith. (See Jeremiah chapters 42-44)
King David is another good example of a man resolved to muzzle himself, to guard his speech in an attempt to be non-argumentative around unbelievers; seeking to avoid trouble by avoiding controversy. “But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased … and as I meditated the fire burned;…” Psalm 39:1-3Do you ever feel that burning – the excitement – feeling compelled to act, speak and live as Christ would have you? What are you compelled by? What excites you beyond containing? What do you have to share that is really that important?
We are part of a movement that has a salvation message for individuals and a redeeming quality for all of society. It is a message of, “…Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good .” Titus 2:14 Has he really done that for you? Have you actually allowed him to work through you in such a way as to make a difference so profound that you can’t contain it? The primary reason for an association with God is our personal salvation and a right relationship with him. The secondary reason, as a result of that right relationship, is for us to place ourselves within his will and to busy ourselves with the things of God. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,…” Ephesians 2:10
Could this sense of compulsion be the overflow of gratitude from our hearts to God in worship and on to others in witness? As in, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart,… For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks .” Luke 6:45 What’s in your heart? Love and appreciation for God? Loving concern for others? Enough to compel you to step up and speak out to others regardless of their response?
Check back next week for two examples of men who did just that!
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Read Article »Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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