Not too long ago, we had a bulletin board downstairs in the fellowship room which, near a shining star, simply stated, "Wise Men Still Seek Him." I have sent out holiday cards with the same message. The evangelistic aim of such a statement is quite clear, but I've realized that the message speaks to believers as well.
1 John 2: 5-6 states: "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." We begin with learning about Christ, studying scripture, and then we must move forward. Put into practice what we have heard (James 1: 22-27). Be still and know (Psalm 46: 10) and then go (Matthew 28: 19-20)!
To be imitators of God (Ephesians 5: 1), to be like Jesus, requires time spent with Him. Not ceasing with time spent in the Word, but being willing, walking, working jars of clay to be used for His purposes and glory (2 Tim. 3: 16-17; Matt. 26: 39b; Isaiah 40: 31; Eph. 2: 10; 2 Cor. 4: 7; Phil. 2: 13; 1 Cor. 10: 31).
I know that my relationship with God is to come before everything else in my life, even good things, but do I live my life this way? What ought to be a no-brainer for the Christian—loving God above all else—is a spiritual struggle. There's always so much that demands our time and even appears "urgent." Still, don't we make time for what we deem most important? As a church family we are desiring to better reach out to those around us and share Christ's love, telling how much the Lord has done for us and how he has had mercy on us (Mark 5: 19). This is a great time to examine priorities and pray for wisdom, so that we fully live for him who died for us (2 Cor. 5: 15). Seek Him first . . .
1 John 2: 5-6 states: "But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." We begin with learning about Christ, studying scripture, and then we must move forward. Put into practice what we have heard (James 1: 22-27). Be still and know (Psalm 46: 10) and then go (Matthew 28: 19-20)!
To be imitators of God (Ephesians 5: 1), to be like Jesus, requires time spent with Him. Not ceasing with time spent in the Word, but being willing, walking, working jars of clay to be used for His purposes and glory (2 Tim. 3: 16-17; Matt. 26: 39b; Isaiah 40: 31; Eph. 2: 10; 2 Cor. 4: 7; Phil. 2: 13; 1 Cor. 10: 31).
I know that my relationship with God is to come before everything else in my life, even good things, but do I live my life this way? What ought to be a no-brainer for the Christian—loving God above all else—is a spiritual struggle. There's always so much that demands our time and even appears "urgent." Still, don't we make time for what we deem most important? As a church family we are desiring to better reach out to those around us and share Christ's love, telling how much the Lord has done for us and how he has had mercy on us (Mark 5: 19). This is a great time to examine priorities and pray for wisdom, so that we fully live for him who died for us (2 Cor. 5: 15). Seek Him first . . .
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