First Things First

We all have priorities in our life.  Many times, it is simply what I must do…. rather than I would rather do something else!

A smart man made the following statemen:” We worship our work; we work at our play, and we play at our worship.”   Perhaps this is true.  Too often that which should be first is often last! 

Worship isn’t simply attending church once or several times a week.  Worship is what we do when we cook dinner…. eating what God has proved; thanking him for giving us another day; enjoying friends; our surroundings; our blessings, even the job that you have.

I looked at a fallen oak leaf this morning.  How grand it was.  It was perfect in design.  I knew there was a Master Craftsman who had done this.  The Great Designer has given us gifts to enjoy.  I didn’t worship the tree as a giver but the One who gave us the tree! 

We worship our Work:  This can be said of most working families.  Parents spend more energy, time and enthusiasm at their jobs than the family.  Mothers and fathers are exhausted at the day’s end.  No wonder we have an overfed and an undernourished society.  No time or energy to prepare supper. Let’s just buy some fast food!   After all, there is still loads of laundry to be done, breakfast dishes to wash.  The kids need their bath.  No time for God in this, except perhaps for a short little prayer before bed.  No real time for worship.  Reading the Bible together and making it meaningful. 

We work at our play.  Adult recreation is big business.  This also includes the kids.  Instead of togetherness with parents, kids now have their play stations, cell phones or TV.  Mom and Dad have their golf, football, or shopping malls.  Churches spend thousands on recreational programs for teens.  Is the church reaching out to families to build up the family relations or are they creating less family time?

We play at our worship.   Are we dabblers in our faith?  We want our worship only in small doses.  Many times, the attitude is “I can go to church on Sunday, AM, PM, and Wednesday but the rest of the time is mine.  I want just enough church to satisfy me.  I don’t want to be too “churchy!  Isn’t that enough time for God?”

Perhaps we need to reassess our lives, our family and our time with God.  Are we involved with disciple making? Are we taking more than we are giving in this life?  Are we often stunned when things simply aren’t the way they should be?

                                “With all of my churchiness I expect God to do His share! “

Perhaps the sense of peace isn’t just going to church or having things.  Perhaps the real blessings come when we are showing God’s love to others.  Just perhaps this is what Jesus meant when He said………….
                              “Come follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”