It is no question that we’re busy. Conversations are always filled with all that we have to do. There is a lot going on. Now, not all activities are bad and it is certainly not wrong to be involved but as believers there are some important priorities we can’t compromise on and perspectives we must take when we’re on the go.
One is, church is not an option. Being a part of a church body is how we know, grow, and pursue what is true (1 Timothy 3:15). Paul stresses in 2 Timothy 2:22 that this happens with others in the context of a local church. Hebrews also teaches that our holding fast to what is true, our encouragement, our love, and our participation in good deeds is dependent on “not forsaking our own assembling together” (Hebrews 10:23-24). He acknowledges also that this is the habit of some (and will be as we get busier and busier) but this can’t be for us. God has so designed the body, that our church family needs us and we need them (1 Corinthians 12).
Two, wherever we go is our mission-field. Whatever the activity or event we have been sent out by the Lord Jesus as ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20). We represent Him wherever we go and are commanded to shine the light of the gospel in whatever we do (Matthew 5:16). Make the most of your time (Ephesians 5:16) and change the perspective of where you go. I’ll always remember what the sign said as leaving my church as a kid, “You are now entering the mission field.” As you go, know that there are people around you that desperately need salvation, they need prayed for, they need the good news of Jesus shared with them. Jesus called you to be a disciple-maker (Matthew 28:18-20) and a believer builder (1 Corinthians 12) wherever schedule takes you.
And three, take time to be still. There’s more than this but with this start, know that I need these truths too and I’m praying that God would lead me not to neglect my church family or the mission He has entrusted me with due to busyness. In planning everything else though, we must also plan to be still. God commands this and shows us how crucial it is to knowing Him (Psalm 46:10). When we do nothing it reminds us of what we can do for our salvation. Nothing! It reminds us to put our trust in Him and our focus on Him, where it should be. Every day I need to fight to put my “to-do” list aside and let the tasks wait so I can spend time with my Lord, reading and praying. Without that time, I will have no strength, I will be of no use, and all other activity will be meaningless. Don’t miss what matters in the craziness. Don’t compromise on what God has given you to do. Seek Him first!
May God Get The Glory, Even On The Go, Pastor Rudy