September

As we ease out of summer and dive into all the activity that seems to ramp up in September, it can be easy to get swallowed up in one thing or another. The sermon series that we are exploring regarding the seven letters of Jesus to the churches in Asia Minor in the book of Revelation address how much of our activity, while not a bad thing, can produce some negative results. We get so busy with life and responsibility that somehow Jesus gets put on a back shelf. We still sing songs of praise to Him on Sunday morning, we still talk about Him at our Go groups and may even be disciplined enough that our daily devotions may not suffer a great deal. However, somehow, He is simply not number one on our mind. 

This is a constant struggle for many a Christian. We get so wrapped up in living in His creation that we allow it to overshadow the Creator. Make no mistake, His word tells us that He fully expects that He is and remains our first love. Such an endeavor requires a lot of effort because it is so easy to allow other things to take center stage in our lives. 

In the book of Haggai, the Lord speaks to those who got so wrapped up in their lives that they put Him on the back burner. They neglected His house while attending to their needs. His words were: “You expected so much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house.” (Haggai 1:9 NIV) 

How do we grapple with this constant struggle in our lives? Jesus said: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33 NIV) We don’t have to be so heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. However, we must strive each day to keep the main thing the main thing. That main thing is Jesus Christ. This month, as we go through our daily grind and hustle and bustle, let’s not forget that all we have is because of Him. To Him be the glory, now and forever. 

Blessings, 

Vic