WATCHWORD:
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. Romans 5:3
Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Romans 12:18
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. John 14:27
Meditation:
Majoring in Minors?
Last year, just before Thanksgiving, Jim, my across-the-street-neighbor and friend, brought me an article by Greg Laurie, entitled “Turn Back to Your First Love”, sub title: Living for Christ in Troubled Times. The Article appeared in Decision magazine for November.
It is funny-amazing how the Lord doesn’t forget and subtly leads us back to the track of His Will. Recently, I was reminded of the Laurie article following our men’s Bible study discussion of John chapter 5. During the course of our discussion we were trying to sort out certain events that were not stated in the scripture, that seemed to be missing pieces. At some point, one of the guys commented that when we come across places in scripture which leave us questioning, “we just make stuff up.” Actually, I might’ve said that.
I am not sure what made me think of Laurie’s article, because our discussion seemed to drift into the life and times of Jews and their strict adherence to Mosaic Law, including all 613 requirements. I think it has to do with our focus. For the practicing Jew, their focus would be on not violating any of those 613 laws, rather than on God Himself. Thus, in my mind, majoring in minors.
For example, I love the mountains and I love hiking with my daughter or other loved ones. When you come to a mountain stream and must cross on rocks, your focus better not be on admiring the beautiful scenery, or you are going to get wet. Focus.
In a recent My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers says sometimes people worship their religion and take their focus off of our Lord. That, too, is majoring in minors.
Back to the Laurie article. Over the past year what have we been focusing on? The Pandemic, vaccines, violence in our streets, political upheaval, the election, not being able to go to church, on and on and on. Laurie says that “The daily barrage of chaos…reminds me of Thomas Paine’s description of the days of the Revolutionary War – These are the days that try men’s souls.” I can’t argue with that. (I would remind you that the church is not a building nor does our worship of God need to be led by a pastor.)
In that article, Laurie makes the following statement: “When we view the world from the perspective of Christ’s imminent return, the daily news should engender hope instead of despair while drawing us ever closer to God and stirring an urgency within us to share the Gospel with those far from Him.”
The question that Laurie raises has to do with our relationship with God and are we growing spiritually. What are you majoring in? Where is your focus? Don’t let the world take your mind off that next stepping stone, Jesus Christ, or you are going to get wet.
As Christians, we have a mission. That has not changed. The world has not altered God’s Word. We still are to love our neighbor as our Lord and Savior loves us. That is a high bar for us to clear, but it is still our mission, and we have work to do for Him. Keep your mind and heart on what is important. Guard against the minors stealing your focus. So be it!
Bulletin Board:
A re-reminder — Prayer and other requests you would like to share with Watchword. Get those to me. If you would like to post a meditation or a prayer or a poem or some humor, etc., that would be wonderful. Stan
Closing Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust in you with all my heart and not lean on my own understanding but in all my ways submit to you. Make my paths straight and guide me down the right path. I know in this life there will be times of suffering and hardship but help me take heart because I know you have overcome the world. Give me the courage to face the challenges that come. Help me to persevere and not give up. Give me the strength to face the storms that come my way. Pour out your peace over me and keep me in your perfect peace. I want to always look to you when trials come. Instead of blaming you or looking elsewhere for the answers I want to look to you and trust completely in you. This is hard to do but I ask you to help me surrender everything to you…my emotions, my thoughts, my actions, control. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your help through this difficult time. I know you’ve got this, and you’ve got me! I praise you and I put all of my faith and trust in you. Thank you, God, for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus Name, Amen.
