The good and bad of shortcuts

Shortcuts can be helpful. A road that cuts through a stretch of land could save considerable time compared to a road that takes a roundabout way.

However, some shortcuts are not as helpful. Some, in fact, can be dangerous. Taking a shortcut on the ingredients for a cake may simply produce a bad-tasting cake. However, taking a shortcut by skipping important safety features when updating a room or on a newly constructed building can have deadly consequences.

We are always tempted to take a shortcut. One famous formula goes something like this: "Think first. We may be able to avoid some work."

While there is nothing wrong with finding helpful shortcuts to make the best use of our time and energy, we have to honestly assess the cost of what we are giving up in order to achieve our goal. In short, for some things, there are no health shortcuts.

The Bible says our faith is something we should experience fully without trying to short-circuit the work of God in our lives. Sometimes we can find a fast solution that requires us to leave out details that are important to our growth and development as people of faith.

In the Christian faith, for instance, Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for them. This is a long and sometimes frustrating process. It would be easier and faster to simply condemn them or even to destroy them.

However, taking a shortcut in this kind of dismissive or even violent way can short-circuit our own faith journey, while doing considerable harm to others -- including those who may, through time and prayer, become friends or allies.

In Luke 9, Jesus's disciples wanted to "call fire down" and destroy a Samaritan village that had refused lodging for Jesus and them. Jesus rejected that idea and strongly admonished them (see Luke 9:51-56). They wanted the easy way: Get rid of those who oppose us. Jesus wanted a different way: A way of compassion and forgiveness. In the short run, the way of Jesus's followers in this instance seemed more gratifying. However, in the long run, especially as the Church began to grow throughout the region, many who once rejected the ways of Jesus became followers of Jesus. The disciples' shortcut would have simply destroyed that possibility.

So, embrace the shortcuts that allow for a greater use of time and purposes on important things. Avoid those shortcuts that gratify our own desires and pettiness. When it comes to growing in our faith, there are no shortcuts. There are simply opportunities to learn, grow and love.