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Wednesday, January 19, 2005
The biggest decisions I had to make in my late teens involved two things: What college to go to and what to do when I got there. High school, to me, was always pretty much a stepping-stone as education was highly valued in my family. It was simply assumed that I would go to a university...I mean, I had 7 cousins before me all go to the same one.
My dad went to the rival college. When I was a kid he was always taking me to the college sports of that college. We went to football games and baseball games and basketball games that were on-campus. Sure, the teams won some and lost some, but some of my fondest memories as a child were with my dad at the games.
When my choice for going to college came along, I was walking with Christ and knew that I should be praying about where God wanted me to go...but I didn't really. Deep down, I knew I really wanted to go to Auburn. I had some other options to go and play baseball at some other schools, but nothing I seriously considered. As my grandmother said, "You went to Auburn because there's just something in the dirt down there that draws you to it. You went there because you loved it." She was a little miffed I didn't go to the other school.
But it was hardly a spiritual decision. At least on the surface.
Next I had to choose a major. I chose engineering, despite the fact I finished in the bottom 3% on the country on the math portion of the ACT college test. Everybody said you could make good money. Who doesn't want to make good money?
People that can't do math. So, naturally, I changed majors to...
...accounting.
The family had a tax business so I thought I'd give it a whirl. No dice.
Psychology. Philosophy. English. World Religions. They all got their shot as my majors for one reason or another. My mom became numb to the almost bi-annual changes and said, "Son, just graduate in something." It was her only defense.
During my junior year I realized I wanted to be a youth pastor...and that seminary seemed to be the next logical step. That I had been praying about. So, to choose my major and "graduate in something" I walked into the senior advisor, threw my transcript folder on her desk and asked her to design a plan to get me to "graduate in something" over the next 9 months. She did.
Next, I had to choose a seminary.
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions. How do you make them and keep God primary?
Matthew 6: 31--34 gives us some clues:
"Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we clothe ourselves with?' For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
The verses start with a simple statement: "Do not." Sounds easy enough when you have a decision to make or something to worry about, right? Just don't worry about it. Make a choice. Don't worry. Easier said than done, eh? Yep.
So, how can we do that? Just make that choice not to worry? Remember the example from yesterday's lesson that God takes care of the big picture stuff like food, clothing and drink. See v. 31.
He does so in ways that are abundant because He loves us...and since His impeccable track record reminds us, we can rest easy that our concerns are paramount to God. Even moreso to Him. See v. 32.
Anyway, I think the key is in v. 33: If our minds are on Kingdom business, and our walk with God is genuine...we'll get these things taken care of. We don't have to worry at all.
Fut that's a HUGE "IF," isn't it?
IF we're seeing the world through God's eyes and from the filter of His word...
and
IF we're walking with Him authentically...
You'll understand that you don't have to sweat the details. They're already taken care of.
In fact, tomorrow, I'll talk a little more about seeking first His kingdom and righteousness and how that works hand-in-hand with your own desires.
But for today, ask yourself IF you're viewing the world through the eyes of His eternal kingdom, and if you're walking with Him authentically (and maybe even a bit about what that might "look like"). And if you are, does it help your anxieties? If you're not, does that reality actually show a lack of trust in Him (and maybe even a bit of what it might "look like" if you try to fix that)?
Brent 4:39 AM
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