The Thing to Do
When I was a child the voice of mother telling me what to do seemed eternal. And if mother was not telling me what to do, then one of my eight siblings was. Four were older than I, and I thought they were so bossy. How that did irk me, causing non-Sunday School feelings to erupt in my heart.
Off to school where teachers seemed to direct every step -- sit down, stand up, break for recess, take a test, eat, and go to the restroom. Was there no room for personal decisions? Could I never do anything without someone else telling me it was right or WRONG?
Time passed. I grew up, married, and completed college. Along came children. Of course, employment was necessary. There were decisions about cars, homes, furniture….life in general -- decisions, decisions, decisions.
Life has become full as the years have matured. Life is gracious but challenging. Blessings have flowed into my life. I am grateful.
However, as time has passed it sometimes seems that I am meeting myself in the curves of a mountain road, looking back where I came from, maybe yearning for yesterday, with some modifications.
A few days ago the President of the United States was asked, “What is it like being President of the United States?” He replied, “Maybe the best way to describe it is to say, ‘Being President of the United States requires making a lot of decisions.’”
There are situations when answers are needed. Time does not allow for committee meetings, or in-depth scholarly research. Urgency demands, even when it may seem all the information is not available. What will be decided may affect a lot of people. However, time presses the agenda.
Often as an adult I have thought of how nice it would be if I could just call Mom or Dad and say, “What do I do?” Likewise, I have often asked God to give me the answer, only to find that He remains silent while I sanctify my soul and make a “cold call” decision, based on character, counsel from others, knowledge of God’s Word, and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
Life does not allow for adults to play in the kindergarten sandbox. Time, age, and responsibility require a high price for those who have stepped to the plate and picked up the bat of life.
In an attempt to stabilize life and live a life of faith, a person must decide what decisions will be anchor decisions. For example, the decision to be part of a local church, to attend worship regularly, to fellowship with other believers in Bible study, to be faithful in stewardship, and to live a holy and sanctified life is not a flexible decision. Those who have entered into a love contract with Jesus lay down their lives in devotion and service.
The thing to do is to decide basic priorities. Establish the fundamentals of faith. Know that you know that Jesus is Lord of your life. Regardless of the weather, physical feelings, circumstances, or how many decisions may be pressed upon you, just KEEP THE FAITH.
When you have to make hard decisions: KEEP THE FAITH. When you have to make decisions quickly: KEEP THE FAITH. When you cannot call Mom: KEEP THE FAITH. When things go wrong: KEEP THE FAITH. When you are misunderstood, accused, betrayed: KEEP THE FAITH. When you know that you have failed: KEEP THE FAITH. THE THING TO DO IS TO KEEP THE FAITH.
Some practical ideas for keeping the faith:
- Faithfully honor the Lord’s Day by being together with his saints in worship.
- Faithfully be a steward in tithes, offerings, and time.
- Faithfully put your hands to the work of the Lord.
- Faithfully keep your ears away from vain and negative talk, and keep your tongue away from idle gossip.
- Faithfully support a mission work that is beyond your doorstep.
- Faithfully study the Bible and look for Jesus to come.
You can add to the list as you prayerfully follow Christ. Remember: some things count, and some things don’t count. Make sure that at the end of the day your life counts for Jesus; nothing else will matter.
Much love
Pastor Bare
I Corinthians 4:2
P.S. See you at the missions conference this weekend!