10 March, 2011
Scripture reading: 1 Cor. 10:14-33
In two short phrases, the apostle Paul practically wrote a thesis on simplification. For every one of us who ever wondered where to draw the line, juggled too many balls at once,or had trouble making up our mind, Paul offers a timely simplification: "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." We differ in talents, gifts, and resources, but the hands of time strangle us all. We desperately need a time management course-- but who can fit it in? :o)
When our beloved Michael was little, he loved to "help" me in the grocery store. Once he begged me to buy our dogs a large bag of rawhide bones. His face was so animated that I agreed, but when we arrived home I forgot about the purchase, Michael-- always a sneak-- slipped the bag out without my noticing. Later that day, a strange commotion in the backyard seized my attention. Our dog , Sunny, was hopping frantically in every direction, kicking up more grass and weeds than a weed eater, and panting as if she were fighting for her last few breaths. When I walked out to investigate, I heard Michael laughing mischievously, and then I saw them-- at least 100 "bones" scattered all over the back yard. Sunny was frenzied. So little time-- so many bones!
Don't get me wrong, I'm not "dogging" us for trying. Most of our "bones" are good ones. We've just got too many to chew. In our attempt to do a hundred good things, we may not do any of them well. We're caught in the captivity of activity-- hopping frantically in every direction, tongues dragging, and lungs panting. We're dog tired.
God never meant for us to live frenzied lives. Back breaking schedules are not His idea. How can we, believers in Christ, restructure our lives ad find a little refreshment?
Reestablish the goal: Isaiah 43:7 tells us we were created for His glory. The purpose of our brief journey on this planet is to glorify God. He desires for us to pour the best of our energies
into God's works. Go back to the basics!
Redirect your focus: Matthew 6:33 makes a revolutionary promise. If we seek God first,
He will direct our schedules and help us to discern His priorities through the work
of the Holy Spirit. Give this approach a try... it works!
Rethink your motivation: Galations 1:10 prompts us to ask ourselves if any of our
activities are seeking man's approval rather than God's. If we seek to please
people rather than God, rules will constantly change and expectations will soar.
Rest in God's will: Hebrews 4:10 says, "Anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own
work."
Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? God is not unreasonable. He does not heap on stress and then refuse to grant us rest. None of us can do 100 things to the glory of God. Let's find rest in His will and do a few things well!
"whispers of hope" by Beth Moore
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Jaime