Short cuts are tempting. Perhaps that’s because we would prefer things to be easy rather than hard.

When I was in elementary school we had our annual long-distance run. A friend decided to take a short cut through the woods. But the coach found out. Why? Because his legs were covered in cuts from running through a patch of thorns! Oh, and he got disqualified.

He thought a shortcut would be to his advantage. He was wrong.

Much is made about having a relationship with Jesus. But think of that word “relationship.” You can’t take short cuts if a relationship is going to be robust. You need to make a commitment, invest time and energy, be willing to learn, and be willing to sacrifice. There is also love and joy and meaning, but not without those other things.

In The Fellowship of the Ring, Pippins cautions Frodo with these words: “Short cuts make long delays.” How very astute. They were battling darkness.

And so are we. 

Do you want to have greater intimacy with God? Do you want to live as a child of light rather than a child of darkness? Do you want to live with greater wisdom and power as a disciple of Christ? 

Then do the work.

Pray. Study the Scriptures. Worship with God’s people every Sunday. Find time to serve or volunteer. Serve the kingdom in your studies or job. Intentionally love people. Be distinct from the world. Rest routinely.

Recently I was struck by the straightforward beauty of this timeless instruction by Joshua to the people: “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness” (Joshua 24:14 ESV). Given the comprehensive nature of God’s instruction to the people, we can safely conclude that this kind of faith is the opposite of a short cut.”

Fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness.

Short cuts make long delays.

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Notes:

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.