Things have been moving at a fast pace for me. It’s hard for me to understand that we are half-way through 2006. I know I’m not alone in this race when I say so much is going on. Though I never want to slack on my responsibility I have in God's message as it relates to my life. There are many things I would love to do as a recreation. I make the choice not too because I must continue to run this race with endurance.
Will people look with a snarl on their nose at me and think I’m ignoring my family? I’m not for sure. I would hope that anyone who knows me would know that I don’t ignore my family. My family is the most important people in my life. I must say that God is number one. Then my desire's or want comes in after my family and my responsibility to carry out God’s message. Still my personal relationship with God is always first.
When I think about my personal relationship God my mind starts to wonder into the many places of my life. Places such as my workplace, family, church, leading, personal relationships, gym and yes even softball. Softball is about the only thing I do for myself and consumes about 40 hours of my life per year. If I had to make a choice between softball and my responsibilities as a pastor I would choose the pastor role. Would some people be ready to rebuke me and say that I must do the things I want to do to keep my morale in tact? Maybe.
My relationship with God is in every area of my life. I guess that what happens when God is given His place in my life. Jesus should be seen or heard in every thing, place, motive and conversation that takes place in my life. Does it always happen? Surely not but I would like for it too.
Each day I awaken in my bed I thank Him first and then I go through my minds list and try to make sure I’m fulfilling my purpose. My purpose is not for me. My purpose involves many others who are dependant on me carrying-out my responsibilities.
Maybe I should ask myself if I have been successful in assisting others in their accomplishments. I know people rely on me. I know God tells me that as I become reliable and accomplish the little things I will be relied upon even more and will be able to accomplish bigger things in life. Would I be able to accomplish bigger things in life if I was concerned about myself
and my own pleasures. I think the bigger things in life are what I can do for others.
I guess there is something to the quotes “If I want a life I must be willing to give up life.” How about when Paul writes “For I am crucified with Christ” or “For me to live is Christ but to die is gain.”
I recently traveled back home to Beattyville, Ky. I had so many memories to share with JaNonda and the boys. I realized some things. I would sometimes shirk my duties knowing that my Dad would come through. I knew that ultimately the home was his responsibility and he would come through and do it. How wrong I was in thinking that way? Do I think that way now? This week I've observed others and wonder if they think that way about me? I do know that when I was a kid I thought as kid. I didn’t have too many responsibilities and my focus was all about me and I’d leave the other stuff to my Dad. Now that I’m an adult, father, friend and pastor I don’t have that luxury. Someone’s role in God’s plan just might be dependant on me and how I complete my role. I must think with a Kingdom mind. Everything I do or don’t do has an effect.
Do I want to do the sane fun things I did as a child? Certainly. Do I have time? I would like to think so but if it takes away from God responsibility then I don’t think so. This is sacrafice and obedience. I know there is very little “light” remaining. I must continue to work while there is light. Soon it will be dark. When the light is absent where will I find my life? -chuck
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