Feeling rushed lately? It’s going to get even worse over the next two months, isn’t it? On top of regular tasks, we will add shopping for the holidays and gatherings with friends and work associates. Plus, sports just kicked into overdrive! If you don’t keep a calendar it’s all too easy for plans to be forgotten. But, where does God go in all that time management?
First, never forget whose you are. As a child of God, you belong to Him. Parties (sports, work, or even family) can get complicated and turn into gatherings where a Christian can find themselves overwhelmed by dark, unfriendly forces. I’m not saying we should avoid dark places, that’s where our light is supposed to shine! (Matthew 5:16) But, letting our light shine before others requires us to make sure our light shines!
When we are tired, overworked, stressed out, anxious, etc… these are the times we have little patience and it is most difficult to let God be seen in us. Remember who you are!
Second, if you are too busy then you are too busy. Admit those words: “I am too busy”. Well…stop! What has man “got to” do? “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) All the extra, the fluff, the maintenance… We are called to God, not to this world. Of course, the same author pens, “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (9:10).
Bottom line: You are called to be pleasing to God. Not to participate in this world’s problems. Be a good steward of course! But nothing matters if you don’t start with God. Proverbs 16:3, 9 read: “commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established” and, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Your service to God should not be an afterthought. First, honor the Creator of the universe. God should receive our first and finest, not our used up and leftover. I have to… honor Him!
