The boy replied: I don't want to. But then he repented and left (Matthew 21:29)
Have you ever faced a task you didn't want to do? Weeding the grass, washing clothes, cleaning the house, or even preparing for Sunday School lessons after a tiring week can make us want to put off all that work.
When we were going through the same thing, my wife and I had a motto that we said to each other, "I don't want to do it, but I will do it anyway." By admitting that we lacked enthusiasm, but then chose to take responsibility, we succeeded in doing the things we didn't like.
God's assessment of faith and obedience can be seen in Jesus' parables. Christ spoke of two sons who were asked by the father to work in the vineyard. The first son said no, but “then he repented and went away” (Matthew 21:29). The second child said yes, but did not. Then the Lord asked, "Which of the two did the will of his father?" (verse 31). The answer is clear, that is, the child completes his task.
The parable of the Lord underscores a very important spiritual principle. God wants our faith and obedience, not just our good intentions. Next time, when you are tempted to neglect your task, say, "I don't want to do it," then ask God for grace to keep doing it --DHF
OBEDIENCE IS FAITH IN ACTION