Stepping Stones: Put God on Speed Dial…The World on Hold

Transformational Thought

I remember a couple months ago, life got a bit ahead of me. Some situations came up and my actions were wrong. I needed to really take some time with God to reflect and figure out what happened, how to fix it, and how to avoid that trap again. But unfortunately, I actually made the decision to put God on hold until I took care of some other trivial things. I knew I needed to “get right with God” … but it seemed like such a big task that needed lots of time. Since I wanted to do it right not just rush through it, (or maybe those were excuses to avoid facing it), I decided to put it off for a bit and not get to it right away. I thought I had too many items on my “To Do” list that I was tricked into believing were more urgent.

Because of my incredible shortsightedness, I didn’t realize how much I needed Him in order to really understand how to complete those “to do’s” with joy and efficiency. Furthermore, I didn’t realize I risked more damage to myself and those around me as I bumbled forward, trying to manage alone. Unbeknownst to me, I was much more vulnerable … and actually naked and defenseless. Most of us live among people who glorify busyness … who have made time a tyrant that controls life. Even those who know Jesus as their savior, seem to continue to march to the tempo of the world, putting God on hold … putting Him in the background instead of the foreground of their lives. He is a leftover, not the main entrée.

The real distortion is our belief that we can conquer life on our own … that we are the king of our kingdom and don’t need to humble ourselves to any other authority. We believe we can generate all the power we need to overcome the struggles of this world. It’s easy to see how blatantly wrong these beliefs are. But when you actually break down some of your decisions, you will be amazed to see how often these beliefs insidiously creep in and determine your responses to what life brings your way.

Today, instead of making the choice (yes, it is always your decision and choice) to put God on hold, put the world on hold for just a few minutes. Spend some time with God. Have a conversation with Him. Bring Him your greatest concerns. Read a few pages of scripture. Pray prayers of simple thanksgiving. Then dig into a couple of your wrong decisions and be honest. See if some of the distortions we discussed are part of your lenses. You will be amazed at how the daily practice of taking all your thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, will change your life. You will develop the Mind of Christ and maximally engage in the greatest spiritual discipline: Decision-making.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I believe that You are calling me to follow you along a solitary path. I want to make time alone with You, Lord, my highest priority so I can get the best directions for this journey, stepping stone by stepping stone … for I know it will be my deepest possible joy. Please give me eyes that see Your truth about what is really important in this world, and what is merely distraction from growing in YOU. I pray in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ who put everything on hold to serve You; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me.
Song of Solomon 2:13

And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Luke 10:39-42

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
2 Corinthians 10:6