Life has a way of snapping at us sometimes. Takes us by surprise. Keeps us so busy we miss seeing important things. We’re so focused on what we’ve assumed to be critical to our lives running smoothly that we are waylaid from the life-giving discernment and power of the Holy Spirit.
Work. School. Parenting. Being a husband or a wife. Being single. As Christians we certainly know the importance and priorities of each. In our faith we know that Jesus is supposed to be first in our lives, but, let’s face it, often He gets pushed to the rear of the line by these oh-so-pressing details of living life.
Why is that? Why is the One who sustains us not worthy of our time and concern? Why is the One we run to when everything goes haywire or there’s a trauma or we screw up big time not our priority when we’re cruising along doing the life thing?
We’re lulled into this false sense of security that God understands our neglect, that His status on our priority list doesn’t happen to fall into the first five slots. We feel badly when the Holy Spirit nudges us to get our lives in order—not to nag us but to warn us. If we continue on in the pattern of setting our own priorities without His guidance, calamity is awaiting us. Haven’t we figured it out yet? How many times will it take?
Wake up! Christianity is a full time commitment. 24/7/365 as the ad says. Jesus is committed to us all the time. He doesn’t take a 2 week vacation or a nap on Sunday or call in sick. Jesus is the One who rescued us and made it possible to communicate through the Spirit with His Father, our Father. He’s at the Father’s right hand. He’s interceding for us—and God knows we need it!
Don’t let complacency, apathy, a withered appetite for the things of God turn you into fodder for the devil. He’s eager to lull you to sleep, to cater to your lazy pursuit of what God has for you. To take you on a detour of necessities which don’t amount to anything when compared to the things of the Lord. Open your spiritual eyes and see the magnificence of the Creator of the universe who happens to know each hair on your head. He’s no small God, and His interest in you isn’t casual. He’s a jealous God because His love for you is intense. You belong to Him. It was your decision. Your gain surpasses all you had to surrender. Besides, without Him your life is worthless and headed for a bitter end. Put Jesus on the throne of your life where He belongs.
Father, forgive me for not giving you the foremost place, for being lazy in prayer, for not living up to the wonders you have for me. Help me to draw nearer to you, to press in closer, to gain what I couldn’t possibly have without you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
*This is a re-run from 2007, but it just seemed apropos for this time of the year. It’s a reminder to myself as much as anyone else. I have no excuses. None.
Into the Fire 
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