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For years I have joked with folks that often “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” Funny to those who do this…not so much to those who don’t. I find it often easier to do things that aren’t huge in order to get things done (or…to be honest…to get my way) than to have to ask for permission. 

Growing up, you would ask your mom and she’d say to ask your dad who’d then say ask your mom and back and forth you’d go. You can ask your boss for things that are helpful and hear that they have to check with their boss or check the finances or ask some group to see if it can be done. In ministry you can ask a church leader who is gonna say they need to ask another leader who then wants to ask the other leaders who then want to ask the church board who then want to form a committee who then want to check the by-laws that haven’t been adjusted since the creation of the microwave oven and tv remotes or 30 years before the internets were given, and on and on and on it goes. Hence, it’s often “easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” 

Want to hear something mind blowing? Jesus always asked His Father. Read that again. When you read the Gospels, you see how Jesus always asked His Father what He wanted him to say and do. Yeah! He was Jesus, for crying out loud, and He still asked. Jesus desired to do His Fathers will. Always. Period. Jesus always asked. Jesus always spent time in prayer throughout His life. He prayed alone (Matt. 14, Luke 9 & 12, Mark 1), he prayed in public (John 11 and 12), He prayed before meals (Matt. 26, Mark 8, Luke 24, John 6), He prayed before important decisions (Luke 6), He prayed before healing (Mark 7), after healing (Luke 5), He prayed to do 

His Fathers will (Matt. 26), He prayed before his baptism (Luke 3), before walking on water (Matt. 14…and also see Mark and John 6), he prayed and prayed and prayed – He always asked His Father. 

One of the most beautiful things Jesus prayed for that humbles my heart so much is how in the Garden of Gethsemane he prayed the most heartfelt honest prayer in saying “Father, if it’s your will, take this cup of suffering away from me. However, not my will but your will must be done (Luke 22:42, CEB).” He asked permission…but still did His Fathers will. Jesus always asked His Father. Why don’t we?

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com.