Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

But first and most importantly seek His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you also. -Matthew 6:33

Simply put this verse reminds us to “Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing”, and the main thing in life is a relationship with God.

We must know what the most important thing in our lives is and keep our priorities in line.  In our society today a huge emphasis is put on commerce and material things, but we must remember that things are not most important to God.  He wants us to have and enjoy the nice things He gives us, but He also wants first place in our lives.  We are taught to seek the kingdom of God and His way of acting and doing before we seek anything else.

When we seek something, we think about it often. We talk about it. We are even willing to pay a price to have it.  Some people even fall into the trap of seeking God so He will give them the things they want.  Obviously, those motives are wrong.  We must form the habit of seeking God’s face and not merely His hand.  We need to seek Him for who He is and not what He can do for us.

God is pleased when we want to spend time with Him just because we love Him.  He is also pleased when we praise and worship Him because of who He is.  Would we not all think that God enjoys a celebration for His “being” and not just His “doing”?  We all want friends who are interested in who we are, and not just what we can do for them. God calls us His friend through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. We should act like a true friend.

When we put God first, keep Him there, and seek to do things His way, we are showing that we delight in Him.  Then, according to Psalm 37:4, He gives us the desires of our hearts.

What Do You Smell Like?

Earlier this summer we had several very hazy days. The air seemed to be saturated with smoke and you could smell the scent of burning wood. The news said this was the result of wildfires in Canada. It seems hard to believe something so far away was having an effect on us here.

We all know that certain smells can evoke vivid memories and emotions. For example, the smell of Old Spice aftershave and citronella candles brings fond memories of time spent in the backyard with my Pop. What smells bring you happiness and peace? More importantly, what is God’s favorite fragrance?

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. -2 Corinthians 2:15, NIV

Are we giving off a scent that is pleasing to God? Is our smell drifting far and wide? We have the responsibility to be the pleasing aroma of Christ. Some days are easier to smell good than others. You have got to choose each day to splash on that sweet aroma and pray your scent drifts on the wind like smoke from a wildfire! Who knows, maybe they will smell us in Canada!

A Lack of Depth

            During the winter seasons, the Great Lakes can become quite temperamental. When gale force winds are blowing, Lake Erie has been known to get waves as high as 25 feet. Lake Erie seems to be the most temperamental of all the Great Lakes. This is because it is the shallowest. Of the thousands of estimated shipwrecks, 25% are thought to lie at the bottom of Lake Erie. Lake Erie is 2nd smallest in terms of surface area among the five Great Lakes. To be more precise, Lake Erie accounts for 10.5% of the total surface area of all the Great Lakes. Let that sink in. Lake Erie which accounts for 10.5% of the total surface area has 25% of the shipwrecks. The number is disproportionate in part because Lake Erie is so shallow. Because it does not have as much depth, its waters become turbulent more easily. The result is a lot more shipwrecks. A lack of depth has led to disproportionate destruction.

            I think Lake Erie has something to remind us about ourselves. When we are emotionally shallow or lack depth in our thinking, it seems we have similar results. Why do we get so temperamental sometimes? I think in part it is because we lack the emotional maturity to handle the situation. Or perhaps we lack the perspective to think clearly. Or maybe we fail to listen. In short, we lack depth. When we lack depth, smaller incidents can turn the waters of our emotions into a turbulent sea. We fly off the handle more easily. We say things we regret. We hurt those that we love. I wonder how many of us have left a disproportionate number of shipwrecked lives in the wake of our anger?

            Let me give you a few recommendations from the Bible that can help add some depth to your life. Firstly, be quick to listen (James 1:19). A lack of understanding and real communication has led to many unnecessary fights. Secondly, put your problems in perspective (Romans 5:3-5). The Bible teaches us that when put our faith in God, even those things that cause us to suffer are being used to make us better. God loves you immensely and is using it for your good. Just take a deep breath and keep your cool. Finally, love others deeply (1 Peter 4:8). Simply love others the way God has loved you. The people God has placed in your life are infinitely more important than your personal preferences. Love them from the heart. We are not meant shipwreck them. We are meant to help make sure their ship makes it safely to shore. Let’s learn from Lake Erie and add some depth to our lives.

Stepping on the Scale

I have a scale that sits on my bathroom floor. If I take the time to stop and step on it is going to tell me something. It may surprise me. It may tell something I don't want to know. If it is accurate, it will without a doubt tell me the truth. There are moments in life when we have to step on the scale so to speak. We need to assess how we are doing.

This is no different with God. Sometimes we must step on the scale. We have to stand on the truth of His Word and weigh ourselves. We are reminded in Proverbs 16:2 (ESV),

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

Often in life when we go to make plans, and we think that our plans are great. However, all of our plans, intentions, attitudes, and desires need to be judge by God's standards. God is the one who weighs what is right and wrong, helpful and harmful, wise and foolish. The scriptures teach us that we need to step on the scale and receive God’s perspective. We may not always like what we find, but we can be sure that God’s Word is accurate.

Are you willing to step on the scale of God’s Word and hear what He has to say? If so, here is a prayer you can pray. It is from Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV),

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!