Don’t Drag Your Feet

Attitude may not be everything, but my dad helped me see how pointless grudging obedience was. The biblical example of Philip also helps show the benefits of cheerfully doing what God says.

“Don’t drag your feet!” The admonishment followed me as I trudged off to complete some disliked chore.

As Father’s Day approaches, I’ve been reflecting on the advice, guidance and instruction I’ve received from my dad. As a young boy, when I was tasked with a dreaded or tedious chore or responsibility, Dad would often tell me, “Don’t drag your feet!” Completing the task was important, but in Dad’s view, my attitude was just as vital.

It has often been said that attitude is everything. While this is not entirely true, the sentiment expressed is valuable. As I grew up, the emphasis on attitude was reinforced time and time again.

My brother and I were expected to use the respectful responses such as “yes, ma’am” or “no, sir.” However, we quickly learned that, in addition to mouthing the right words, we were also to respond with an upbeat intonation. Sulking, pouting or just being “grumpy Gus” while mowing the yard, gathering the eggs, taking care of the animals or any other number of chores was not acceptable.

My dad’s advice is equally applicable to our spiritual relationship with God. Indeed, a Christian’s attitude toward obedience, or more accurately, coupled with obedience, is critical.

Obedience to God’s law is a foundational component in our relationship with God and cannot be supplanted by having a positive attitude. Yet God does care how we obey as well. He desires that we exhibit joy, passion and zeal in our pursuit of His Kingdom and character.

So Philip ran

The example of Philip serves to illustrate this point. Philip was one of the original deacons selected to provide for the physical needs within the growing Church of God (Acts 6:1-6). Described as being “of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom,” Philip would prove to be a willing and eager servant of the fledgling congregation. Later, Philip would go on to be a stalwart teacher of the truth (Acts 8, 21).

Note this incident found in Acts 8: “Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ This is desert” (Acts 8:26, emphasis added throughout).

The phrase “this is desert” hints that this assignment was not a desirable task. Philip’s response is described as quick and efficient: “So he arose and went” (verse 27). There’s no record of any questions, balking or complaining—definitely no dragging of his feet.

The account continues: “And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot’” (verses 27-29).

Philip could have second-guessed this instruction. After all, the Ethiopian was a stranger and clearly an individual of wealth and importance. Why did Philip have to do it? Didn’t God know how awkward it would be to disturb this individual?

Not so for Philip. He was eager to serve God and complete his assigned task. “So Philip ran to him” (verse 30). His attitude while obeying is a sterling example for all Christians today. Philip was eager to do God’s will. He hastened to the task. There was no sulking, no half-hearted pause and certainly no dragging of his feet.

Don’t drag your feet

We can learn from Philip’s approach to obedience. This willing, zealous attitude to please our Father brings the full blessing of God. It is not the prerogative of Christians to demand to always know all the “whys” behind every expectation of God. Cheerful, instant obedience is, on the other hand, always expected.

Paul observed this principle. He wrote, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

This is attitude in action. We should ask ourselves:

• How do I approach obedience?
• Is it only a duty?
• Or do I desire to please God?
• Do I serve or obey grudgingly or willingly?

Our attitudes may, to a certain degree, impact our level of blessings now. Our attitudes certainly impact our approach to Christian living and our application of the doctrines we cherish.

As Father’s Day approaches, let’s give God the pleasure of having cheerful children. Let’s ensure we are willing and desirous to obey Him with eagerness and a right attitude.

Don’t drag your feet! After all, eternity awaits.

Jason Hyde attends the Louisville, Kentucky, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association, with his wife, Emily, and daughter, Ava.