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Monday, March 14, 2005
Time.
I know. We're all busy. Very busy. Warp-speed busy.
And telling you that you need to be in the Word of God on a consistent basis in corporate settings is like telling you to find around a half an hour more in your already busy day. Yet, Christ Himself said we're supposed to "abide" in His Word...literally "live" in it.
And telling you this probably conjures up images in your mind that have negative connotations. Impersonal church services. Classes at early hours. Lots of boring lectures. Difficult concepts taught by people that only have to study that stuff who don't live "normal" lives outside church. Pressure of being surrounded by people that look like they "get it" when we don't "get it."
So, combine more time demands with negative connotations...and, well, there's a reason that famous people make comments like the reality that Christianity hasn't been found wanting, but rather it's been unTRIED. Christianity is a mile wide and an inch deep. Stuff like that.
How do you overcome those connotations?
First, you have to make a decision that you're going to grow spiritually. It's like exercising consistently after a long bout of being a couch potato. At first you seem "too tired" to go to the gym and too undisiciplined to eat the right things, but once you get started, you find that you have more energy to go about your day and that you feel more alert because you're eating correctly. It's the same spiritually. You might feel like you'll lose even more of your valuable time if you make a commitment to get in the Word...but I suggest you'll find that you'll actually create more time in your day as you begin to prioritize based on eternal principles and concepts instead of allowing temporary, earthly concerns drive your calendar.
This will involve making a decision to be a part of "corporate" teaching times such as attending a church service where the Word is taught. Maybe a Sunday School class. Maybe a small group Bible study. Maybe a "seminar" type class to get specialized learning in certain areas. You'll have to make your own "soup" out of all the options for this, but it's certainly a part of your time in the Word.
So, for today...think through your daily schedule and commitments. How many of them are "eternal" involvements? How many are necessary, but "earthly" concerns? What type of balance do you have and how, if need be, can you find time to get in the Word? What kinds of "soup" are in your mix for corporate time in the Word? Does your church offer you times where you can take "seminar" type classes or more formal age-appropriate classes? What practical steps can you take to have a healthy balance in your life?
Tomorrow, we'll look at personal daily devotions and what should transpire there?
Brent 6:03 AM
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