WHAT TAKES TOP PRIORITY?
Mark 8:36
For what shall it profit a man, if he should gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Clear the calendar for the weekend! Another women's summer softball tournament is on tap, and yours truly will be lead-off hitter, going for another coveted 1st place team trophy. What will the tournament bracket look like? Will we face stiff competition right off the bat? Hopefully we'll be victorious in Saturday's games, so that we'll be playing on Sunday in the championship game! Of course the goal is to beat all of our opponents and go home with the 1st place team and individual trophies.
Years ago, I lived for these tournaments, and held them up as a priority. Truth be told, they were an idol and drew me away from my Creator. While playing in these games didn't cause me to stop believing in God, they certainly caused me to sin. If there were games to be played on Sunday morning, going to church to worship God and 'remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy' was put on the back burner. I chose to worship something else, namely, my desires. And if only I could take back the time spent (wasted) sitting around and waiting for the next game to be played! God also has a lot to say about the company we keep. 1 Corinthians 15:33 comes to mind. Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
Looking back, I do have some fond memories of playing summer softball in my youth. And I still do appreciate healthy competition, whether in Scrabble or Pickleball! But what, or rather who, is most important to me?
Think about your own personal habits, hobbies, pastimes, and interests, along with your family's. Is your time invested in strengthening your relationship with your Creator, Jesus? Do you make it a priority to be in the Word? Do you build up and encourage your friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers? Are you looking for opportunities to foster relationships and take a genuine, loving interest in others? Have you listened intently to make connections that can lead to asking, "Can I pray for you about that?"
Conversely, are you seeking to take 1st place in your life while sidelining your Lord, your faith, and your daily prayer life? Have you found yourself slacking off, skipping worship services, or spending hours upon hours scrolling on your phone?
Where will you spend eternity? With Jesus in heaven or apart from him in hell.....forever? Trophies collect dust. Bank accounts ebb and flow. Job titles come and go. Cars and trucks depreciate. Time flies. We came into this world with nothing and we take nothing with us when we go. Surrender your life to Jesus. Your best prize awaits!
Thank you to Carlyn Haas - friend of God’s Great Outdoors
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