How do you know where you really stand with someone, if you’re really a friend? I was reminded recently that time reveals priorities.
Leading up to a recent summer missions trip, I excitedly asked some other families to go. Unfortunately, I got some sad responses, including “Well, we cannot go because our child is on a select baseball team that travels all summer.” This trip takes them out, not just out of a mission trip, but out of church altogether as well.
Now I’m not judging someone for having other commitments. My family is busy too. But it hurts my heart to remember how easily we can put good things, like sports or an achievement, ahead of church.
If we step back to analyze this, what priorities reveal is what we worship. If it is the wrong thing, it can even become an idol. Whether the idol is sports or something else, if it prevents you and your family from worshipping together it is not God’s will. Jesus tells us in Matt 6:33 when talking about the worries of getting ahead in the world “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you”.
I can assure you from some recent personal blessings, God will reward you in ways you never expected if you put Him first.
Related to this, we recently drove past several convenience stores on the way to church on a Sunday. Each time, I always saw someone in shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops carrying a case of beer out of the convenience store at 8 a.m. in the morning. I don’t think they are trying to go to church, much less seeking His kingdom.
My point is not to judge those people. My point is to say many of us who claim God is our priority don’t show it in the way we live.
“Hey! This is my life and my kid and my career. Who are you to judge?” I’m not. But I know this. He considered you enough of a friend to die for. Shouldn’t we consider Him enough of a friend to live for?
The God of summer should be the one Who created it, not the one who recreates in it.