Getting “Cooked in the Squat”

I’m always getting ready to do something. I like to think I try to improve myself and I used to read a lot of self help-type literature and would get fired up about it. Funny thing is; I usually fizzle out quick too. My biggest problem is it sounds good the night before but when morning comes, the old routine sets in. “I’ll start tomorrow.”

I want to borrow some of what Zig Zigglar said in one of his motivational CDs. He called what I’m talking about “getting cooked in the squat.” This was a story I could relate to since Mom would make biscuits from scratch and sometimes they came out tall and fluffy and sometimes they would be hockey pucks, without ever much explanation for their condition. They just failed to rise sometimes. Zig talks about the next door cook named Maude who would make biscuits that turned out “no bigger than my wrist watch.” He asked Maude what happened and in his words, “she rared back, gave a big ‘o tummy laugh.” Zig would squat down like he was getting ready to jump up and said, “I’ll tell you what happened. They squatted to rise but they just got cooked in the squat.”

Man, that’s me. How about you? I’ve got big plans but they stay plans! I’ve got great intentions but you know what they say about where the road paved with good intentions goes. I have to finish whatever it is I’m in the middle of and maybe then I’ll get started. But wouldn’t you know something else always comes up to take its place! It seems sometimes life is a series of “fires to put out,” as the saying goes. So I’ve had difficulty sticking with some exercise regime, going to bed at a set time, eating more vegetables, relaxing more, reading my Bible through in a year, or sharing my faith.

That last one has always been kind of a sticky subject. I always seem to start the others pretty easily (and frequently) but that whole sharing my faith thing seems to require more “forethought,” more “practice,” and more “research.” I’ve taken personal evangelism classes, put together notes and scriptures on common topics and objections, and even practiced roll playing about talking with friends and coworkers… but I still never feel ready.

You ever feel that way? Like there’s just not enough you can do to prepare to share your faith and sound credible, genuine, and convincing? Why do I feel the need to become evangelically eloquent? I know the answer and who’s responsible. But I don’t like to admit it.

1. Fear:

• Luke 12:4-5 And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. (5) But I will warn you of whom you shall fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you, fear Him.
• Rev 21:8 But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, will have their part in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.

          Talk about getting cooked in the squat.

• 1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. He who fears has not been perfected in love.

2. Influence of the Devil and the World: Mat 13:18-22 Therefore hear the parable of the sower. … (20) But that which was sown on the stony places is this: he who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy. (21) But he has no root in himself, and is temporary. For when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the Word, he immediately stumbles. (22) And that sown into the thorns is this: he who hears the Word; and the anxiety of this world, and the deceit of riches, choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful.

I’m always going to start “tomorrow” and when I don’t… I’ll just start the next day. You know; I’ve realized I’m running out of days.  James 4:14 ... For what is your life? For it is a vapor, which appears for a little time, and then disappears.

Time to stop fiddling with my excuses and trying to be prepared for every argument someone might have! What’s happened instead? I spent so much time preparing I can’t remember what I prepared for when I started. And along the way, the pilot light went out.

• 2 Cor 5:11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men…
• Philippians 1:14 And most of the brothers in the Lord, becoming confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the Word without fear.

Getting cooked in the squat isn’t just a bad thing for me; it’s ultimately going to permanently cook the people I don’t share the truth with as well.

• Jude 1:23 But save others with fear, snatching them out of the fire…
• Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins, (27) but a certain fearful looking for judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

There sure is a fire that will cook you permanently. I better hurry up and rise before that happens.

The clock of life is wound but once

And no man has the power

To tell just when the hands will stop

At late or early hour.

Now is the only time you own.

Live, love, toil with a will.

Place no faith in time.

For the clock may soon be still.