What's It Going to Take?

So often God has encouraged us in His word. So often did Christ urge us to make the wise choice. So often did Paul, James, John, and others tell us about the great things that will come if we walk upright and show our love for God vis-a-vis our love for others.

And yet...

So often has he had to discipline us - to bring loss and pain front and center in our lives in graphic, personal, relevant detail.

Of the two scenarios, which makes us move faster, more urgently, with more passion and concern? Unfortunately, our Creator knows that we are often lazy. Without the threat of being run over by the carriage we're pulling, we may lose interest in the ever elusive carrot on the string.

So, who do you know that needs encouragement? And, if you've been only encouraging them with the carrot, is it possible that God will move their hearts only when you show them the possibility of the pain of the carriage in clearer, pertinent detail? I've never seen the Bible tell us to spur one another on to love and good deeds by threats and baseball bats. However, have you noticed that people rarely jump up out of their seat when the thumbtack on their cushion is pointing down?

Just a thought that's been plaguing my mind.