Recently I heard this expression used in reference to kids, not once but three times. They all went something like this; “sitting in class just doesn’t come natural for him.” “Dealing with people just does not come naturally to him.” Finally, “he just has a naturally short attention span.”

Every time I heard this phrase used a chill went up my spine. It makes me think that most people only want to do what comes naturally. Or in other words, if it comes easy to me or to them, then it is okay to do.

My problem with this thinking is simple. Most things in life that are worthwhile do not come naturally and nothing in faith comes naturally. Think about it. If we are sinful by nature then living in faith goes against all of our natural inclinations. It is easy to lie, to cheat, to steal and to do a whole plethora of other sinful activities. In fact, you might say they come very naturally to us. The real struggle in life is fighting against our nature to do what God desires.

I am convinced that doing the right thing does not come naturally or easily. Sometimes the best things we do in life will feel very unnatural.