Living in a World with Misplaced Priorities

   One of the more interesting, but least read sections of the Old Testament is the history of the Jewish people in exile in Babylon. Their exile was a result of their failure to live according to their covenant with God. After the prescribed time of exile, God provides the leadership and the resources to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the altar, the city walls and the temple.


   God came and told the people: “I’m sending you back to Jerusalem. I’m not just sending you back to Jerusalem to be safe, but I’m sending you back to Jerusalem to live a saved life; to be a different kind of person among a foreign people, to be my temple.” They got excited about that and began the journey home. Then came the distractions.


   For 16 years nothing happened. Work stopped. God’s people had forgotten their initial passion. We’re not doing much better.


   We have never been more sophisticated, more educated, more advanced as a country, yet we have never been more broke. It doesn’t help to point a finger at City Hall, Austin, Washington or wherever. The finger must be pointed at ourselves. God’s prophet, Haggai brings a message to the people of that time and us at this time saying “Consider your ways.”


   With the passage of time comes the diminishing of passion; tithing become tipping and prayers become rote quotes and church attendance becomes an obligation.


   Current criteria for a person to be considered very active and involved in a local congregation is that they attend worship services 70% of the time. Using 70% as the standard for being very active and involved produces some interesting thoughts:


   That works out to 36.4 Sundays or 36 to 37 Sundays out of 52! You can’t be considered an active member of most service clubs with that kind of attendance.


   The average year has approximately 261 work days (not excluding holidays). If someone only makes it to work 182 of those days, do you think they would be working there very long?


   Current figures show that approximately 3500-4500 churches close each year. Fortunately, new churches are being started. For a time church closings and church starts were equal, but that is beginning to decline.


   The point is this: It is a matter of the heart! It is not simply a matter of attendance, giving and behavior. Those things have their place. They should come as a result of our relationship with God. Where do the things of God and our relationship with God fit into our lives?


   I’m certain that we don’t really forget God; it’s just that we want to put Him in a storage closet and bring Him out on holidays, special occasions or when we really need Him.


   The message of God is, “I don’t stay in anyone’s storage closet.” Let’s not think that we can put God in a storage closet and acknowledge him when it is convenient or we’re in serious need.


   Several times in the Scripture God is referred to as being jealous of our relationship with Him. God seeks to be the main thing in our life.


   Our relationship with God and His Church is either the main thing in our life or nothing!

It Doesn't Have to Be that Complicated!

   My favorite professor in seminary (preaching school) when we were in the midst of exegesis (trying to figure out what the Bible means) used to tell us “It isn’t that complicated!” Unfortunately, we preacher types in the effort to sound educated and scholarly often make living the Christian life more complicated than it has to be.


   Take a few moments to consider some thoughts about living the Christian life without unnecessary complications:


   Start each day with a conversation with God. Preachers call this prayer, but it really isn’t anything more than a good talk with the one who loves and cares for us the most.


   Consult and face the challenges of your life with the principles found in the Bible (God’s thoughts and directions). With all of the study guides available in print and electronic form, no one has an excuse for not knowing the truths that are found in the Bible.


   Seek to know the Lord for yourself. Too often our knowledge of the Lord comes from parents, preachers, teachers or the latest bestselling book. Actually knowing someone is far more gratifying than knowing about them.


   Show honor and respect to others. You have to admit that this is tough because we live in a time where the more profane and crude a movie, stand-up comic or primetime television program is the more popular it is. Jesus taught that we are to show honor and respect to everyone whether they deserve it or return it.


   Live a life of contentment regardless of your circumstances. Someone said that when life is difficult you have two choices: either get better or get bitter. Unfortunately many choose the latter. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians, chapter 4, verse 16: “So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. (NRSV)


   Lastly, live in the anticipation of the return of Christ. I’m not one who dwells on finding the time, date and moment when Christ will return. I have too much to do and try to accomplish before that blessed event. However I do look forward to what is being prepared not only for me, but for all who confess Christ as Lord. Jesus prayed: “Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given me because You loved Me before the creation of the world.” (TNIV)


   It Doesn’t Have to Be that Complicated!